ODI retirement not on Tendulkar's mind

Sachin Tendulkar has insisted he has no plans to retire from the ODI format though he has skipped all but two of India's one-day series since last year's World Cup. Tendulkar has also opted out of the limited-overs series against Sri Lanka starting later this month.

"It's not what XYZ think, it's what I feel and I feel as long as I am enjoying and I feel like being part of it, I'll continue (playing ODIs)," he told CNN-IBN.

On the subject of ending his one-day career, Tendulkar drew a parallel with his international Twenty20 retirement. "I felt I shouldn't be part of the Twenty20 squad in 2007 and I had been asked (to stay on) but I felt I should not be part because the team did well. When I get that feeling in one-day cricket may be I would take that decision."

Tendulkar has played both of India's one-day tournaments so far this year, but decided to sit out the upcoming Sri Lanka series. "I just wanted to spend time with my family, as simple as that," he said. "I spoke to the BCCI and requested them. To be able to spend time with my children is also important."

In Tendulkar's absence, India's opening pair for the Sri Lanka series will be Gautam Gambhir and Virender Sehwag, who himself had asked for rest for the Asia Cup in March. Sehwag backed Tendulkar's decision to miss the series. "Not only me but the whole country misses Sachin when he is not in action," he told reporters in Delhi. "But one should realise that he is 39 years and he should be allowed to pick and choose which series he wants to go. He will certainly be available for the Test series against New Zealand."

Like I said before WITH FULL DUE RESPECT TO SACHIN AND HIS FOLLOWERS- MY question is " IS HE LEADING WITH AN EXAMPLE FOR YOUNGSTERS"- BIG NOOO AS FAR AS I AM CONCERNED- Now the next question is "ARE players like Sehwag,kholi,Raina,etc already dreaming that if they reach anyway close to Sachin in their reputation- they will have the luxury of picking and choosing when to play and when to rest- I feel it is solely BCCI's duty as Board of Cricket for cricket in India to rotate players efficiently so that players are kept physically and mentally fit and can deliver their best thereby not giving any opportunity to players of Sachin's stature to choose on their will for their personal gains and also will discourage him from initializing a bad trend in this era of professional sports. I am open to people views on this debate either way. Thanks

Aristotle01
on July 9, 2012, 10:25 GMT

@praveen: Your comments are ridiculous. Please read my posts patiently , and as @everybodyloves sachin says, .. my comments have shut up critics like randyoz and kiwirocker emphatically so much so that they are surely eating their silly words now. Thank you and kindly publish.

@CRAZY CRICKET 40 "GIVE THIS 4 OVERS TO SOMEBODY LIKE DHONI, RAINA OR YUVRAJ AT THE END AND THEY WILL PILE UP ANOTHER 40RUNS AND WILL TAKE SCORE TO DEFENATE WIN" THERE IS A RESON WHY THEY SCORE AT A STRIKE RATE OF NEAR 100 BECAUSE THEY ARE MATCH FINISHERS ,IT IS ACCEPTED THAT AT THE END OF INNINGS RUNS DO FLOW .BUT WHERE SACHIN BATS IT IS DIFFERENT .OTHERWISE THRY WOULD HAVE OPENING RIGHT?

praveen4honestremark
on July 9, 2012, 5:45 GMT

Indian cricket pity u .Sachin at the age of 39, who hardly knows to field and big question marks on fitness and allowed to play.Never he will be dropped; even after dismal performance in England and Australia.He is guaranteed his place even after failure in CB series 2012. There will be supporters also running in with a big chart of his career stats.huh.Selectors are puppets in Hands of BCCI and Companies who just force Sachin to be in team for their own financial benefits in way of ad's. Enjoying is that you DON'T DO it at the stake of team.Can't he judge himself how good he is??? Then why doesn't step down even after that.He knows how is he scoring these days but still adamant to play.There are no Honest guys like Dravid who do justice for themselves and team and for country. See Dravid Even after good England series he had, highest scorer in Test matches for India there; he resigns from International after failure in single Australian tour.He judges its not time to prolong career.

on July 9, 2012, 5:03 GMT

If the same way Kapil/Kicha/Gavaskar.... wud hav thought.... they wud hav still kept playing for IND.,,,,

Ther wudnt have been a place for others///////////// way to think Sachin..... and Shewag.....

coolindianfan
on July 9, 2012, 4:14 GMT

@truth "So many comments against tendulkar, people abusing and cursing him. If a player has some self respect he would definitely retire before people start abusing and cursing him".U seem to be in your own world . do you u know that on face book there is a fan club of sachin which is 6 million + and counting .u critics cant even assemble 6000 i bet on it.For each and every queirry like match winner , selfish etec, etc u can visit sachinist.com and get a reality check.There were similar cries when India were out early in the tournament in wc 07 since then look at his achievements .even with all critics assembled u cant be even 1% of his followers.haha

coolindianfan
on July 9, 2012, 3:36 GMT

" I WAS TALKING ABT HIS S/R BETWEEN THE SCORE OF 70 TO 100, NOT OVER ALL" do u mean to say that he is playing for counntry till 70 and then from there on plays for himself ?' dosent make sense does it.as far as . 30 runs in 60 balls are concerned it must have been in a test match that is definately not in a one day. Even dravid is slow when ha comes near (slower in comparison to the other 90 runs of his inning).I hope u understand that it is pressure and it is human to feel it and slow down a bit.Most people call dravid a team man( they are right to call him so) gut his strike rate is 71 as oppose to sachins 86 His average is 39 ,sachin s average is 45.I would also remind u that he is the only player to complete 6 centuries by hitting a six .not even Sehwag has done thhat30 of 60 balls i dont remember any such inning in any format.u call him selfish in wc match vs westindies his appeal was turned dowm and he still walked because he felt he was out. a selfisf player wouldnt do that?

EverybodylovesSachin
on July 9, 2012, 2:40 GMT

puroniks you are the statsguru of Sachin..and your comments surely shuts up who always has been after Sachin for no reasons..

Like I said before WITH FULL DUE RESPECT TO SACHIN AND HIS FOLLOWERS- MY question is " IS HE LEADING WITH AN EXAMPLE FOR YOUNGSTERS"- BIG NOOO AS FAR AS I AM CONCERNED- Now the next question is "ARE players like Sehwag,kholi,Raina,etc already dreaming that if they reach anyway close to Sachin in their reputation- they will have the luxury of picking and choosing when to play and when to rest- I feel it is solely BCCI's duty as Board of Cricket for cricket in India to rotate players efficiently so that players are kept physically and mentally fit and can deliver their best thereby not giving any opportunity to players of Sachin's stature to choose on their will for their personal gains and also will discourage him from initializing a bad trend in this era of professional sports. I am open to people views on this debate either way. Thanks

Aristotle01
on July 9, 2012, 10:25 GMT

@praveen: Your comments are ridiculous. Please read my posts patiently , and as @everybodyloves sachin says, .. my comments have shut up critics like randyoz and kiwirocker emphatically so much so that they are surely eating their silly words now. Thank you and kindly publish.

@CRAZY CRICKET 40 "GIVE THIS 4 OVERS TO SOMEBODY LIKE DHONI, RAINA OR YUVRAJ AT THE END AND THEY WILL PILE UP ANOTHER 40RUNS AND WILL TAKE SCORE TO DEFENATE WIN" THERE IS A RESON WHY THEY SCORE AT A STRIKE RATE OF NEAR 100 BECAUSE THEY ARE MATCH FINISHERS ,IT IS ACCEPTED THAT AT THE END OF INNINGS RUNS DO FLOW .BUT WHERE SACHIN BATS IT IS DIFFERENT .OTHERWISE THRY WOULD HAVE OPENING RIGHT?

praveen4honestremark
on July 9, 2012, 5:45 GMT

Indian cricket pity u .Sachin at the age of 39, who hardly knows to field and big question marks on fitness and allowed to play.Never he will be dropped; even after dismal performance in England and Australia.He is guaranteed his place even after failure in CB series 2012. There will be supporters also running in with a big chart of his career stats.huh.Selectors are puppets in Hands of BCCI and Companies who just force Sachin to be in team for their own financial benefits in way of ad's. Enjoying is that you DON'T DO it at the stake of team.Can't he judge himself how good he is??? Then why doesn't step down even after that.He knows how is he scoring these days but still adamant to play.There are no Honest guys like Dravid who do justice for themselves and team and for country. See Dravid Even after good England series he had, highest scorer in Test matches for India there; he resigns from International after failure in single Australian tour.He judges its not time to prolong career.

on July 9, 2012, 5:03 GMT

If the same way Kapil/Kicha/Gavaskar.... wud hav thought.... they wud hav still kept playing for IND.,,,,

Ther wudnt have been a place for others///////////// way to think Sachin..... and Shewag.....

coolindianfan
on July 9, 2012, 4:14 GMT

@truth "So many comments against tendulkar, people abusing and cursing him. If a player has some self respect he would definitely retire before people start abusing and cursing him".U seem to be in your own world . do you u know that on face book there is a fan club of sachin which is 6 million + and counting .u critics cant even assemble 6000 i bet on it.For each and every queirry like match winner , selfish etec, etc u can visit sachinist.com and get a reality check.There were similar cries when India were out early in the tournament in wc 07 since then look at his achievements .even with all critics assembled u cant be even 1% of his followers.haha

coolindianfan
on July 9, 2012, 3:36 GMT

" I WAS TALKING ABT HIS S/R BETWEEN THE SCORE OF 70 TO 100, NOT OVER ALL" do u mean to say that he is playing for counntry till 70 and then from there on plays for himself ?' dosent make sense does it.as far as . 30 runs in 60 balls are concerned it must have been in a test match that is definately not in a one day. Even dravid is slow when ha comes near (slower in comparison to the other 90 runs of his inning).I hope u understand that it is pressure and it is human to feel it and slow down a bit.Most people call dravid a team man( they are right to call him so) gut his strike rate is 71 as oppose to sachins 86 His average is 39 ,sachin s average is 45.I would also remind u that he is the only player to complete 6 centuries by hitting a six .not even Sehwag has done thhat30 of 60 balls i dont remember any such inning in any format.u call him selfish in wc match vs westindies his appeal was turned dowm and he still walked because he felt he was out. a selfisf player wouldnt do that?

EverybodylovesSachin
on July 9, 2012, 2:40 GMT

puroniks you are the statsguru of Sachin..and your comments surely shuts up who always has been after Sachin for no reasons..

Crazy4cricket40
on July 9, 2012, 1:39 GMT

@ADNAN_MAMOON...SIR I WAS TALKING ABT HIS S/R BETWEEN THE SCORE OF 70 TO 100, NOT OVER ALL. HE HAS ALWAYS TAKEN 50-60 BALLS TO MAKE THOSE 30RUNS. WHICH IS ABT 4 OVERS MORE THAN WHAT A SETTLED BATSMEN SHUD HAVE TAKEN. GIVE THIS 4 OVERS TO SOMEBODY LIKE DHONI, RAINA OR YUVRAJ AT THE END AND THEY WILL PILE UP ANOTHER 40RUNS AND WILL TAKE SCORE TO DEFENATE WIN. THE GAMES WHICH INDIA HAS LOST EVEN AFTER SACHIN'S CENTURIES THEY ARE ALL LIKE THAT. ITS JUST RECENTLY (ABT LAST 10CENTURIES) HE IS NOT TAKING THAT MANY BALLS BECAUSE HE KNOWS WHAT HE WAS DOING AND PEOLE HAS ALREADY STRTED CRITISIZING HIM OF THAT. SPECAILLY WHEN YOU WATCH GANGULY SEHWAG DHONI OR YUVRAJ SCORES THEIR CENTURY, THEY DON'T BECOME SLEFISH LIKE HIM. YES EVERYBODY SLOW DOWN BUT NOT LIKE 30 RUNS 60BALLS. DON'T KNOW HOW OLD ARE U? BUT GO AND CHECK HIS EARLIER CENTURIES. I HAVE WATCHED LIVE IN 90'S AND EARLY 2000'S.

EverybodylovesSachin
on July 9, 2012, 0:08 GMT

Ahsan Rafiq I agree with you..100 percent..Best comment..Thanks..

EverybodylovesSachin
on July 9, 2012, 0:04 GMT

Sachin you are the best..I would like to see more of you walking on the ground with standing ovation ...Please keep playing till you desire..May god bless you..Enjoy..

on July 8, 2012, 19:34 GMT

All those who think Sachin is selfish...................He is not more selfish than anyone else............Dravid was selfish bcz of his low S/R in ODI's, Every batsman slows down near 100, only SRT doesn't do this............SRT mises ODI series against easy opponents which if he plays he can notch up his records lot higher e.g. if he had rested AUS tour and played Eng home series his ODI and Test record would have boosted but he did the opposite..........In Asia cup due to Tendulkar's 100 India managed to score 290 - the highest total by any team against Ban in that tournament (Since PK had scored only 230 & 240 whereas SL had scored only 200 against Ban) yet India couldn't win - why ?? bcz of their poor bowling

Bruisers
on July 8, 2012, 18:42 GMT

I can't quite make out why you people say "he plays for his own recods".. Look at his ODI strike rate 86.2 which is much much better than Ponting's 80.3, Lara's 79.5, Kallis' 72.9 and Dravid's 71.2.. It is also way better than Jayawardene's 78.1, Sangakkara's 75.5, Ganguly's 73.7, S.Waugh's 75.9, Hayden's 78.9, Clarke's 78.8 and Inzamam's 74.2.. In fact his Strike rate is even better than the most destructive batsman in the world CHRIS GAYLE (84.2).. And don't foget the incredible average and numerous match-winning innings to go with the S/R.. So now tell me, how does all that make him a selfish batsman??

Aristotle01
on July 8, 2012, 16:50 GMT

@ENGLISH CRICKET: If sachin wants more and more records, why on earth would have opted oout so many important and meaningless one day matches over the past year? Reason: 1. To preserve himself for tests and the WC2011 2) to give a chance to the youngsters. He could have very well played all those meaningless one day matches and been on 110 tons by now!! What do u have to say to that mate? If that is being selfish, than maybe he is God and we expect everything from him.

Aristotle01
on July 8, 2012, 16:47 GMT

@english cricket: just look at the number of matches sachin has played overseas as compared to that of the no. of matches he has played at home... For both hIm and Dravid the ration of away to home matches is more than 1 whereas for 99 percent of the rest of ém its less than 1. this prooved that Sachin has maintained that incredibly high batting averages despite playing way more matches overseas than at home. LOOK UP CRICInFO IF NEED CLARIFICATION. To maintain an average of 56 over 188 test matches is staggering and beyond belief my friend. He is better than the rest of his peers- his presence in recognized all time elevens of cricinfo's international jury, as well as bradman's and benaud's 11 is proof. Warne, viv richards, sobers, dicky bird, barry richards all say he the best of his time. and one of the greatest ever.Only sobers and viv richards can match him:) Even then his range of strokes is better than anybody although viv and lara were more aggressive.

Aristotle01
on July 8, 2012, 16:40 GMT

@Englishcricket: I wouldlike to disagree with you. you reasoning is greatly Flawed. While I do appreciate your attempted to give a balanced view of things Unlike Randyoz, if ricky would have played as many games as sachin- he would still not score as many runs as him simply becoz ricky averages much less than sachin so if u multiply 52.78(ricky average) by the no. of inns sachin has played it will still be less than (55.45 by the same no. of inns) So clearly Sachin has got there with quality . Your logic of him playing more than others and so his record is impressive is also absurd Buddy since he averages 45 in odis and 55.45 in tests! its not llike sanath jayasurya scoring 130000 odi runs(wow) but at a mediocre average of only 32. Even Alec Stewert is the 2nd for eng on all time runscorers but he has clealry got there coz of playing 140 matches( Only 8000 runs at 38). But how many people average more than sachin? That too he has done it over 600 inns- which is exceptionally hard.

Tamimfan
on July 8, 2012, 16:26 GMT

@Crazy4cricket40... Ok, post such statistics. But first I want you to take a look at a comment posted by @Bruisers regarding strike rates... TENDULKAR's ODI career strike rate - 86.2. This strike rate is much much better than Ponting's 80.3, Lara's 79.5, Kallis' 72.9 and Dravid's 71.2, Jayawardene's 78.1, Sangakkara's 75.5, Ganguly's 73.7, S.Waugh's 75.9, Hayden's 78.9, Clarke's 78.8 and Inzamam's 74.2.. In fact his Strike rate is even better than the most destructive batsman in the world CHRIS GAYLE (84.5).. And don't foget the incredible average and numerous match-winning innings to go with the S/R.. This comment was actually posted by Bruisers and I am just re-posting it for you. So what were you saying about strike rates once again?

Aristotle01
on July 8, 2012, 16:13 GMT

@randyoz Also, sachin has won two test matches in Australia-Ricky has won one(Mumbai 2001)---IN 2004 this minute ricky came back to the team in mumbai they couldn even chase 107 HAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHA Also sachin avrages 54 in aus. Ricky averages 26 in India(Ricky Ashraful?) Sachin averages 54 in England.Ricky Averages 41. Sachin Averages 55 overseas. Ponting Averages 46.Sachin Averages 68 in SL-Ricky Averages 48. RICKY WAS LUCKY TO PLAY FOR A WINNING TEAM AUSTRLIA WHO HAD LEE WARNE HAYDEN MCGRATH GILLY MARTYN SYMMO GILLESPIE- One dayers-Lets even not get into a discussion as Ponting can barely even lay claim to be on the same stratosphere as Sachin.LoL. Its a universally accepted fact that Sachin and Lara are miles ahead of the rest. Dravid and Kallis way better than Ricky, who is 5th of the coorrent Era. ONE AGAIN PLEASE READ MY PREVIOUS POSTS AND REPLY TO THAT IF YOU HAVE ANY SENSIBLE ANSWERS.

Narbavi
on July 8, 2012, 16:07 GMT

@Nampally: Sir please check facts before saying something, you said mike hussey has skipped this tour and playing elsewhere, what is this? he is in australia to be with his wife as his child is being born 3months before the allocated time, he is not like sachin who goes to a wimbledon match when the indian team is playing test cricket in the carribean islands!!

Aristotle01
on July 8, 2012, 16:05 GMT

RandyOz.. Maybe you think sachin plays tennis... as you think players win tournaments Individually LoL.You do know there are 10 other men responsible for the victory dont you. Else how would Ponting be a part of so many wins? Naturally he hogged on his teammates success. And I'd like u to respond directly to my previous posts which have been directed towards you:) I would love to hear you.:) You conviniently ignore the sense that others talk because you dont want to know how english and indian fans make a mockery of your comments.:) You bring about weird questions that have no meaningful answers. And yeah to answer your question -Sachin won India the cb series in 2008. Also, he didnt selfishly bowl part-timers in a deciding test match of a series to save his ban-nor did he blame the coach of the opposition for running him out in 2005-nor did he lose 3 ashes series so badly and terribly-nor did he captain a team who chased 414 to win a test match and 434 to win an odi.PLEASE PUBLISH!

on July 8, 2012, 15:53 GMT

Tendulkar will play 2015 world cup

Nampally
on July 8, 2012, 15:44 GMT

I think we have almost debated this issue about Tendulkar's ODI participation to death. The real confirmation will come after the SL series. Sehwag, Gambhir, Kohli, Dhoni & Raina will be the 5 batsmen with room for at least one guy to prove his ability from Rohit Sharma, Rahane, Tiwary. We will know the reliability of the batting after the series. SL wickets are mostly batting friendly.It will be interesting to see an emerging talent in batting who is reliable, consistent & compiles a good total apart from top 3. If India is to win, the 6 batsmen in XI must ALL score.Don't expect Ashwin & the other 4 bowlers to do the job of batsmen.

EnglishCricket
on July 8, 2012, 15:14 GMT

Course this guy won't retire yet he still wants more records for example he wants to achieve his 50th ODI century so it looks nice, notch up his 200th test and so on and so forth which is why he'll never be considered above the likes of Bradman, Viv Richards, Ponting, Lara etc. He's a great batsman but loves playing for himself more than playing for his country and the recent Asia Cup in which India got knocked out is proof enough and the only reason his record is so impressive is because he has played more games than anybody else. Sachin like I said is a great batsman but not the best of all time. Its all about QUALITY not QUANTITY because I'm sure had someone like Ponting played the same number of matches as Sachin, he too would've notched up a 100 100s.

sachin_vvsfan
on July 8, 2012, 14:50 GMT

@Randy oz. I remember one. he won us CB series in 2008 in Aus

wonderstar1
on July 8, 2012, 14:40 GMT

@Randyoz how many series have ponting won in India? The answer is a big ZERO. just look how pathetic is pontings record in India. the series that aussies won in 2004 was not under ponting instead under gilchrist and ponting dint play in any of the matches won by australia in that series. the only game ponting played in that series was in the last test which aus were bowled out for less than 100. enough said.
But exactly what r u trying to compare here?

Nampally
on July 8, 2012, 12:51 GMT

@praveen4honestremarks: Sir, everyone has the right to enjoy themselves. It is not a crime because our lives in this world are short & unpredictable.My message to Sachin is to enjoy himself to the full whether he is with his family, on his own or playing cricket. I am sure you do the same & enjoy yourselves. Why not Sachin? He will only be in the squad if the Selectors think he is good to be in it. Cricket is a business - if you don't produce you are OUT!. So the Selectors are not doing Sachin any favour by selecting him nor Sachin doing India any favour by playing for the country. He is only selected because the Selectors cannot find an alternate equivalent of Sachin who is still the best Indian batsman. His fielding is better than average & there are slower & younger guys on the field like Ashwin & Ojha.Sachin takes most catches too. Remember legends like Gavaskar, Dravid, Sachin in recent times & Hazare, Merchant, Umrigar, Mankad, Gupte from past. built Indian cricket to what it is.

praveen4honestremark
on July 8, 2012, 12:50 GMT

To people who said Sachin is best opener present now, i am putting in few stats of Sachin so you decide whether he is best or there are worthy players sitting out on the bench whom we can try. Scores of Sachin which he scored in CB series 2012 , the last series he played- 2, 48, DNP(Didn't play), 15, 3, 22, 14, 39. Not even a single fifty and we know that we lost by huge margins to Australia and Srilanka in this games and didn't even reach final. Now, the scores of Sachin are clear reflection of down fall in his game from some years. Even occasional opening batsman like Parthiv patel would have at least scored a fifty if given a chance. This is game of person who has averages above 45 There is clear decline in game. If he is playing the same way how a new comer can come and play, then why shouldn't he dropped and new player be taken permanently and groomed for 2015 world cup. All know world cup 2015 is in Australia and New zealand so it's better we take tough decisions for team sake.

praveen4honestremark
on July 8, 2012, 12:37 GMT

Ok, according to few people who mentioned that Sachin is best ODI batsman we have so that's why we should not even think of replacing him. Then it would be fair idea if i put up the scores of Sachin here ; he scored in CB series 2012 , the last series he played..SRT scores are - 2, 48, DNP, 15, 3, 22, 14, 39. Not even a single fifty and we know that we lost by huge margins to Australia and Srilanka in this games and didn't even reach final. Now, the scores of Sachin are clear reflection of down fall in his game from some years. Even occasional batsman like Parthiv patel would have at least scored a fifty if given a chance. This is game of person who has averages above 45 average. There is clear decline in game. If he is playing the same way how a new comer can come and play, then why shouldn't he dropped and new player be taken permanently and groomed for 2015 world cup. All know world cup 2015 is in Australia and New zealand.

Nampally
on July 8, 2012, 12:37 GMT

@SatiyajitM: Well said, Sir!.The Selectors are picking the squad & they have the last say on this matter no matter how we debate. It they think Sachin is not good enough he will be dropped. It is good of Sachin to state his availability status for each series. Every Cricketer in the World has a right to say when he is available or when he is not. This goes on in Australian/England/SA or any other squad. Recently MJ Hussey aged 37, stated his non availability for the England tour but he is playing else where. Australian have lost all 4 ODI's due to poor batting without Hussey or Ponting. Highly hyped young Warner Failed! Reliability has been the landmark of Sachin's batting. Kohli, Dhoni & Raina are 3 reliable ODI guys in middle order for India whilst Sachin Sehwag & Gambhir(each with S/R of >86)r lead the top 3. I still say groom Pujara as Sachin's successor so that Indian batting is still good. Rohit, Tiwary & Rahane can still break in!.Yuvraj is still the best All rounder when Fit.

RandyOZ
on July 8, 2012, 12:07 GMT

Can someone remind me how many series Sachin has won in Australia? Also, how many has India won?

wonderstar1
on July 8, 2012, 11:09 GMT

@randyoz.. haha.. Just look at ur own teams perfomance.later worry abt sachin. at least we drew a ODI in India and all of them were close finishes. u have to pray on rain for not getting whitewashed.getting thrashed at england haha.. pontings average is pathetic in India. so he wont even figure in top 50 list in india. is that enough for ur stats.

praveen4honestremark
on July 8, 2012, 10:57 GMT

It is simple and plain. Sachin is playing just to enjoy. Enjoy what?? There are many means to enjoy in this world. Going around with family, taking a long ride and many. Choose any one Sachin. What is he really enjoying here??? Has he ever said his plans?? NO. Then how shall we come to a conclusion that he is reliable for 2015 World cup?? even he doesn't know till when he can play. That is real shame. When all country people feel that World cup team has to be made, this guy just feels to enjoy in his own way.Even I don't want him to get down but he should prove it; if he wants to play he should play all the matches from now on, not even skipping tours. Is it his right to select tours??? Yes, but more than that as a Indian cricket team fan we want to know how much fit he is, can he play at least one year continuously with out skipping tours?? If he can't he should be sidelined. Fitness and fielding are two important things for a player apart from in which area he is specialist in.

Aristotle01
on July 8, 2012, 10:51 GMT

As for kiwi rocker, as I said in my previous posts, he too is still sulking from the fact that how the hell can one genius decimate pakistan's bowling everytime in a crucial match and how can sachin be so much better than any pak batsman to have walked on the planet. LOL sachin has thrashed pak bowling so comprehensively everytime that it made wasim akram thank god that he dint play him too much thru out the 1990s and it made shsoaib akhtar pretend that he had an injury in the deciding test of a historic series(2004) to avoid being thrashed . As far as randy oz goes, mate you simply canot digest rhe fact that he has mercilessly butchered warne, been the sole insipiration for ponting to carry on at the age of 37 despite being mediocre for the last 4 yrs and the fact that he is more revered in austrlaia and more loved that any other aus player.Sachin has made the all time 11s of cricinfo , benaud and bradman. Apart from being called the best by viv,barry rcihards,warne,waugh etc.

Aristotle01
on July 8, 2012, 10:43 GMT

@randy oz: Ponting's record is abysmal in india, substandard in england, just above average in SA. LOL look at his overseas average its about 10 runs less than sachin depsite ponting gorging on WI whose bolwing attack quality is even worse than the aussies'bowling At least sachin played against the walshes and ambroses . Ponting has been a sitting duck against quality bowling thru out his career and was just lucky to play in a team with mcgrath and warne and waugh and gilly and haydos and lee and u think 100 wins is credited to him hahahaha . And u conviniently think that just coz he has a higher 4th inns average than sachin he is better than him lol god bless your narrow mindedness on the game no wonder people on cricinfo laugh at ur comments Pontng has failed austrlaia at every crucial stage mate, and ur just supporting the absolute illogical views of kiwirocker whose comments reek of jealousy. you'd do better just quiting the game lol. Sachin is not in the top 5, but top 3!

Aristotle01
on July 8, 2012, 10:34 GMT

@randy oz: Mate u're probably sulking at the fact that sachin's acheivemnts are as follows: Bradman 11 memeber, benauds 11 member, Sharjah classics , world up 1999, 2003, 2011, a test match record of batting average 54 in austarlia and england, 46 in sa, singlehandedly winning finals of Cb series 2008, Sydney 1992, perth-the best ever inns played in aus-still standing- 1992, old trafford matchsaving century 1990, chennai match winning ton where he decimated SKW-1998 v aus, headingly 2002 v eng-148 matchwinning again, capetown 2011 v steyn and morkel where he saved a test series for India almost winning it for them with an inns of 146, 175 v australia in 2009, a beligerent double century in an odi against steyn and morkel, 241 against aus at sydney 2004, matchsaving marathaon 163 against NZ in a test match 2009 to win india the series, And innumerable other such top of the line test ,odi and world cup inns(wc highest run scorer too) PONTINGS WORTH NOTHING LOL HAHhaha

Sunil_Batra
on July 8, 2012, 10:06 GMT

Tendulkar is the best batsman of our generation and will retire when he is ready, no one can critise him for that as he adds value to the team.

Mary_786
on July 8, 2012, 10:03 GMT

Champion batsman, the best I have seen, I hope he continues to play on till he is ready to retire.

SatyajitM
on July 8, 2012, 9:53 GMT

As Nampally has pointed out, Sachin is still among the best ODI batsmen India has. That is the simple reason he gets selected. Sachin taking breaks for himself is also not unique, captain Dhoni himself has taken such breaks. Sachin has the rights to select tours (particularly after he has played 22+ years for the country) at the same time selectors have the right to select or not select him based on his selection worthiness. People like rtruth and others who think Sachin (or any body else) should quit just becuse others are criticising don't know anything about people with strong will. Great achievers also have great conviction and they don't care about what few ignorant folks rant.

purya2001
on July 8, 2012, 9:47 GMT

I think all the anti-Sachin advocates are missing a point. He's only saying he'll be 'available' for the NZ series. He's not saying he should be automatically selected. But let the other younger players (playing in the series/matches he's skipping) prove themselves beyond doubt and make Sachin fight for his place. When that happens & Sachin is 'not selected' even when he's 'available' because there are better & younger players around, he'll automatically retire. India is currently nowhere near that point.

mjrvasu
on July 8, 2012, 9:43 GMT

Mr SRT, you have lost all respect because you have fallen victim to politics. Pack up from cricket so the team can play better.

RandyOZ
on July 8, 2012, 9:25 GMT

@kiwirocker is spot on. Tendulya's 4th innings record is below grade cricket standards. This guy has completely ruined his reputation and I guess that's why no one even has him in their top 5 of all time anymore.

praveen4honestremark
on July 8, 2012, 9:03 GMT

@Nampally on (July 07 2012, 23:23 PM GMT)....Thank you .I have read your points. It makes some sense, but not complete. I was mentioning if Sachin leaves we can get any other player in. It may be likes of Manoj, Rahane etc who are athletic players, who can field well, and will be groomed for world cup. To your point that likes of Raina have not done well, and his average is below 30. The position where Raina bats is way down and there the player has to come and start hitting strait away after he comes onto ground. His average can be improved, that's not a big deal and it's not a reason why Sachin is still playing. And moreover sachin even during his first 79 games had average around 30 and not even hit a century. Raina is better than sachin when you see, he is athletic, can field well, can save some 10 odd runs. I am not comparing ; but telling my points how an youngster can help a team. Iconic players??? Hmmmm. Yes they are indeed most iconic showing how to field on ground.Gr8 O_O

rtruth
on July 8, 2012, 8:39 GMT

So many comments against tendulkar, people abusing and cursing him. If a player has some self respect he would definitely retire before people start abusing and cursing him. Such a shame for a cricketer like tendulkar. If there would have been another cricketer he would have retire before even the critics open their mouth. Its such a disgrace to listen to so many thrashings against tendulkar

Venkat_Super_11
on July 8, 2012, 5:08 GMT

<but I felt I should not be part because the team did well.>

What a hypocricy!!!! So does the so-called God of cricket say that the Indian ODI team is not doing well and that if it does, he will quit?? My God!! What a shame to Indian cricket!! Kick him out of the team please

praveen4honestremark
on July 8, 2012, 3:58 GMT

Contd..@Nampally..Accepted selectors are blame worthy. But is it only Selectors are blame worthy?? Sachin requests BCCI to skip tours, spends with family, or some naive reason. I don't have right to stop him to say don't enjoy with family. Yes, do enjoy but forgetting skipping duties and coming back as he likes is shame.He skips tours and selectors are left with no option but to take another player instead of Sachin.Later he comes back and just enters team. So here selectors have become puppets in hands of Sachin and BCCI. What can poor selectors do to so called 'GOD' who controls even BCCI which is just understood in his words" it's not what XYZ think, it's what I feel and I feel as long as I am enjoying and I feel like being part of it, I'll continue (playing ODIs),".It is the most arrogant and selfish comment i have ever heard from a top class player. Have you ever seen Dravid behaving such a odd way?? This is simple to understood that he feels he should be given place as reserved.

EverybodylovesSachin
on July 8, 2012, 2:54 GMT

Sachin keep playing.. .My cricket will die when you retire.. May God bless you

arunrg
on July 8, 2012, 2:32 GMT

Apparently, a person is bigger than the game itself. And those claiming otherwise are just being hypocritical.

on July 8, 2012, 1:12 GMT

BCCI SHOULD START DELEGATING some players for some formats alone from now on and groom specialists and ease the burden on the players. eg.,
Tendulkar, Laxman, Pujara - Tests
Sehwag - Tests and One days
Gambhir - Tests and One days
Yuvi - Tests & T20s (just coming back from treatment)
Dhoni - One days (DHONI needs to prove himself as a Test batsman)
Raina - T20s and One days
Rohit Sharma - T20s and One days
Kohli - T20s, one days, Tests
Rayudu - T20s and One days
Zaheer Khan - Tests, T20s
Ashwin - Test, T20s
Ojha - Tests
Pathan brothers - T20s, One dayers
Shikhar Dhawan - One dayers, T20s
Ajinkya Rahane - One dayers, T20s
Umesh Yadav - Tests, T20s
Ravindra Jadeja - T20 specialist

on July 7, 2012, 23:57 GMT

Can't believe Sachin's career is coming to an end. Just a few years ago, India bat, Sachin opens the innings. I'm getting all emotional reading all this. I don't want Sachin to retire yet.

mansman
on July 7, 2012, 23:30 GMT

@cooldxve, Ponting is chasing Sachin's Test Records and that is why he is not retiring, backed by CA. He, and CA, knows he can't compete with him in ODI's and hence Ponting's retirement from ODIs. Aus would have won the WC QF against India if Ponting had played a little faster rather than playing for an ODI hundred in India (strike rate of less than 100 after batting for close to 20 overs for a top order batsman in this day and age is ridiculous) - what a selfish player - then he has the audacity to come out and say he plays for his "mates".
My point, if you and others in the anti-sachin brigade, havent figured it out yet is this, I can sit at my Mac and type all the theories I want, about any player I want - Lara, Inzi, Sanga, Mahela, Dravid, Dhoni, Peiterson, Kallis - keep the list going. However, the thesis wont pass mustard in the court of law - not with this kind of evidence handed. So stop theorizing. Irony is SRT says it the best - these are opinions and opinions can be wrong!

Nampally
on July 7, 2012, 23:23 GMT

@praveen4honestremark: I appreciate your honest remarks. Now that Sachin is not playing, Gambhir can still open the innings & Tiwary can still play lower down. But Tiwary, Raina, Rahane & Rohit have been in the squad for at least 4 series. Tiwary & Rahane have been consistently benched by Dhoni (! ) whether Sachin played or not - e.g., even with rotation policy in Australia. Would you blame Sachin for it? The fact of the matter is Sachin has an average of 45 in ODI's @S/R of 86 & Total runs scored > 18,000!. He & Sehwag are the only 2 guys who scored a double century in the ODI history. These are iconic stats. He also had the highest batting average even in the "poor" Australian tour. There is no reliable successor to Sachin, although Kohli shows that promise in ODI's. Raina plays in ODI's consistently but his average is <30.This is the main reason why the Selectors want Sachin in the side irrespective of his age. Unfortunately he is not available all the time for family reasons.

gdalvi
on July 7, 2012, 22:23 GMT

@ all bashers talking about team balance: what is the difference in impact on so called balance between someone missing team due to injury and someone pacing himself? - Nothing - except in case of injury you don't even know when player will come back and if he will be 100% fit. And given the amount of injuries Indian players have sustained in last year - it would be better if players do indeed rotate instead of playing all matches BCCI schedules in their quest for making most money. If Sachin had retired after WC, same bashers would have called him selfish for not playing Eng/Aus tour and would say "oh - he retired after getting his trophy, didn't care for the country". Of course, Ind losing (narrowly ) to BD during his 100th 100, gave even more ammunition to bashers - never mind that Dhoni want to play with part-time bowlers in spite of already poor main bowling attack. I feel giving sufficient care - Sachin can easily play WC-2015. He can't promise - but no harm trying.

puneet_usa
on July 7, 2012, 22:22 GMT

@sachin30127- its not age- its the attitude that matters and millions of fans of sachin who have loved him to death over last 20 so years aren't wrong either in feeling the way sachin is dragging himself- he would have been much more respected worldwide had he retired on a high after India's world cup win or else people would have respected the man if he would have showed courage and left cricket after a shameful trip to England specially after all the hype attached to it prior to the tour about trio of SACHIN-DRAVID-LAXMAN that they are going to smash English players all over the park. @AKS286- did you read the article above where SRT quoted ""It's not what XYZ think, it's what I feel and I feel as long as I am enjoying and I feel like being part of it, I'll continue (playing ODIs)," he told CNN-IBN.- NOW USING "I" five times in a line-what he displayed is crystal clear how our so called cricket god is full of it- pls explain if i am making any logical reasoning here- thank you.

sachin30127
on July 7, 2012, 21:06 GMT

I am one of the few who feels Sachin can play as long as he wants. It is not his past nor being a fan. Looking at his stats analytically, he is far better than most other people.Why look at his age? We failed most of the times when Sachin is failing. Has anyone questioned why Dhoni is retained in spite of several failures as a batsman? It is like asking one of the best workers in a company to leave because he is old. To add to this, there were lot of others who were given opportunity but none of them could capitalize them. I know this comment will anger many other people but age is not the criteria to bring down Sachin's career.

R_U_4_REAL_NICK
on July 7, 2012, 20:41 GMT

What! Hasn't he already retired? I though after watching the Aussies perform, his "career would be ended..."!

Front-Foot-Lunge
on July 7, 2012, 17:31 GMT

He should've quit last year when himself and India were given the biggest beating by the World Number 1 England.

AKS286
on July 7, 2012, 17:20 GMT

@cooldxve if batsman hits century @ 86 strike rate then not only hit 50 century but hit 100 century. and appreciate cricketers who really serve to game. SRT is not an indian player but he is an international player. whole world respect him and he also respect the game. no arrogance, very calm good human being, never comment controversial things, loves to play.

S.Jagernath
on July 7, 2012, 17:12 GMT

Sachin Tendulkar does not have to retire from ODI cricket to be excluded from it!As legendary as he is,he needs to allow the ODI squad to move on & let younger players take on some responsibility.

praveen4honestremark
on July 7, 2012, 16:47 GMT

@ Nampally.....Yes, i back my comments very much .Here is my evaluation. Sachin if doesn't play in some matches; he keeps entire team and selectors in dilemma. Because Gambhir has to shift his position to one down if Sachin comes , if not Gambhir is quite comfortable opening the innings and there would be a chance for another player to fit down like Manoj tiwary or Pathans. When this guy opts to not play a series all drama begins because shift in batting position occurs and after he comes one player who has already played a series should go. He is 39 now,slowest fielder and batting of his is not so great.When a young player like Rahane or some one will play when Sachin leaves, that is blessing in disguise as we will see a player young in 20's will have good reflexes, good fielding skills and can make a team for 2015 world cup. Sachin has become a spoil sport. If Sachin likes to play then it should have' good fielding, able to play at-least 2 years from nw all tours' Can he do it ??

jay_vkjay
on July 7, 2012, 16:37 GMT

The best time for Sachin to retire from ODI was when India lifted the world cup.Now the fact is clear that India can win in ODI's without Sachin.The world cup final,the Hobart India-Sri lanka ODI etc are very recent examples where Sachin failed to score but India have won.Now with the guys like Virat Kohli,
Raina,Dhoni,Rohit,Gambhir playing so well and winning matches,why should sachin continue in ODI's.He should have concentrate only on test matches where India is struggling nowadays.He should continue atleast 2 years in test scenario for the new comers should settle their birth in the team.
In ODI's guys like Rahane and Manoj Tiwary still waiting for a permanent berth in the team sachin really should make way for them.Also with Sehwag-Gambhir opening pair working well, when Sachin is playing,the top order slightly become unsettled.
We respect your contributions and dedication you showed mastero,But its time to quit ODI,else what record do you aims now??????

Narbavi
on July 7, 2012, 16:02 GMT

@ Vimalan Sadhasivam: Dude its time u understand that this is a team sport, Sachin came in at the age of 16 and has played for 23yrs but look at the guys waiting in the wings, they are already 24 or 25, you know something, most of us including me used to support sachin till an year ago, but it all changed when he carried on playing even after the world cup triumph, look at the number of people who are against his decisions, was it the same say 5yrs ago? and you find funny about the hussey kallis thing?? What's funny with a player who has ambitions of trying to win a world cup once?? and yes hussey has played only for 7yrs, he didn't get his due so he keeps on playing, even a child knows 23 is bigger than 7!!

cooldxve
on July 7, 2012, 15:08 GMT

Sachin wants to score 50 hundreds in ODIs. This is why he is not retiring from it. Very selfish!

on July 7, 2012, 14:38 GMT

Well...I really respect Sachin! But if he is really playing for his side, he should not do this! Murali never did this! Even he could have chosen to skip tours at his own will!

on July 7, 2012, 14:34 GMT

It is wiser in Team India's interest to develop three different teams for the three formats with workload shared by three different captains. I am mentioning the key players who needed to be restricted to these formats. The work load is heavy and no one player can play all three formats.

Note: Dhoni should quit T20Is after the T20 WC, Sachin should quit one dayers after the England series or be dropped, Sehwag should be restricted to Tests and dropped if he talks or acts against the captain or conflicts with the interests of the team
Gambhir should be playing Tests and T20s and retire from one dayers. Yuvi should target tests and T20s alone.
Dhoni should really prove himself for Test selection.

on July 7, 2012, 14:09 GMT

sachin's test record in the past 1 year where he played 8 tests in Eng & Aus
11 (Matches) 778(runs) 94(HS) 37.04(Ave) 0(centuries)
and even ZERO wkts.....
he ll become a burden on the indian team!!

on July 7, 2012, 14:09 GMT

If Tendulkar is playing BETTER than others, then he should continue to play. No stopping…………………………who cares about age!!

puneet_usa
on July 7, 2012, 14:06 GMT

With full due regards to Sachin lovers and also to Sachin's Critics-there is no denying the fact that with so much political and financial influence on cricket these days- little master is able to dictate terms and picks his battles at an age he should be focusing on his family life and helping young cricketers achieve what he still couldn't fulfill in his career for example regardless of the big landmarks and milestones he has achieved- he always breaks under pressure cooker situation and his success rate under those circumstances to take the team home is very low- Correct me if I am wrong- Let's take an example if Bill Gates started choosing his days to work and when not to work after Microsoft's success- What kind of example he will be leading the company with- the poor fellow actually started working harder to sustain that empire he built in this ever changing global market regardless its sports, work or as a matter of fact anything in life-don't take things 4 granted-FACT IS FACT

on July 7, 2012, 13:50 GMT

well I think sachin should complete his 50 centuries in ODIs and retire....... He isnt getting any younger (while he is trying his best by dyeing his long 'transplanted' hair :P like Rana Naved ul Hasan) and his form is far from best!!

late_reverse_swing
on July 7, 2012, 13:31 GMT

From Sachin's quote above:

Sachin Tendulkar: "As long as I am enjoying (ODIs) and I feel like being part of it, I'll continue playing.

Did you count the number of I's there?

Need no further comments! I rest my case.

timtom
on July 7, 2012, 13:25 GMT

Chill anti-Sachin guys !!!!! Now that Sachin has skipped the series it indeed presents an opportunuity to youngster....Well can see how this individual fares

on July 7, 2012, 13:18 GMT

oh poor KiwiRocker wants the best batsman to retire so that his team can have better chances when facing India in near future...don't worry KiwiRocker, that time will come but not very soon though

on July 7, 2012, 13:16 GMT

@Crazy4cricket40, dude, your stat are correct. Sachin has only 17 match winning centuries against Aus, SA, Eng, SL and Pak. Now, can you tell me how many batsmen have scored 17 centuries in their whole career ? let alone be them in winning matches and that too against 4-5 countries alone...lets see the list and then we can talk about it.

on July 7, 2012, 13:11 GMT

@Narbavi, dude, first understand its a professional sport, not your backyard cricket where after certain balls we have to give turn to others. Sachin is a professional sportsman and he has every right to decide his retirement whether he has played for only 1 year or 23 years. your logic about Kallis and Hussey is really funny. If Kallis can play because he never won any world cup before or if Hussey can play since he has played for only 10 years now, why can't Sachin ? Even he has his own goals. Why can't Kallis or Hussey give chance to other youngsters and why only Sachin ?

on July 7, 2012, 13:05 GMT

One thing is for sure, all people who hate and don't like Sachin's decisions come and comment here...rest of the folks simply enjoy whenever he plays and they don't bother to make any comment

Nampally
on July 7, 2012, 12:58 GMT

@praveen4honestremarks: Can you please answer which "youngster" Sachin is depriving from playing when "he dropped himself" from the squad?Not a single NEW batsman has come into the squad when he dropped himself? Does this not prove that (a) either the Selectors are totally inept & cannot find a replacement for Sachin or (b) there is no new talent. Item (b) is wrong because C.Pujara is waiting in the background for the past 3 years. He captained India A last month with better batting average than 3 main batsmen (now in the squad) & gets dropped! Why? Secondly there is a another fine talented youngster U.Chand available to open the innings - Why is he denied a chance.Do not blame Sachin when the Selectors do nothing to introduce new blood. Many Indian fans appear to find it easy & convinient to blame Sachin for a flawed Selection process.Sachin has as much right to spend time with his family as you & I as & when he chooses, in a democratic country. Has anyone problem with it?

moBlue
on July 7, 2012, 12:18 GMT

SRT has earned the right - after fighting a lone battle honorably in the trenches in the 90s... remember, y'all? hello?!? - to pick and choose wherever and whenever he wants to play for IND and when he wants to retire!!! all of y'all who think he needs to play games you would pick, or retire because he is getting in the way of some youngster, go worship your rohit sharmas and teach them the meaning of the words "fight" and "determination" and "focus" and "temperament" first, and then come back and make your case! SRT at 16 in pakistan had more bravery and technical nous than these guys you are touting who are all almost a decade older than him! yet, you want SRT to retire for *them*?!? i say SRT should play for IND - especially in tests - into his 50s if he wants to!!! ...and he'll still be better then than your rohit sharma's of today!!!

on July 7, 2012, 12:16 GMT

no body can say that he is useless now.... but the point is y he is playing now... with dravid gone we need him in tests.... please for god sake retire from odi and give chance to the youngsters...

Bruisers
on July 7, 2012, 12:15 GMT

@EnglishCricket - Its not about IF Ponting had played so many games, but its about CAN Ponting play so many games..? Ponting was dropped from the ODI team earlier this year after his poor performances, if you can remember. Its also about the physical strength to play for so many years. Sachin is stronger physically as well as mentally than most cricketers in the world. To score an ODI 200 batting through 50 overs.. Who can do it?? Most batsmen throw their wicket away when they get past 150 due to lack of energy.. Why should Sachin retire when he still has such tremendous energy and when he is playing as good as he ever is?? Cricinfo pls publish.

ExplicitPlatinum
on July 7, 2012, 12:14 GMT

What's everyone on about? This is about Sachin! I'm a Pak fan and I see a lot of people de-grading the whole Pak team from the past and the present. It's fine if you think Kapil Dev is better than Imran Khan. It's fine if Zaheer Khan is better than Umar Gul. It's fine if Harbhajan Singh is better than Saeed Ajmal. It's fine if Ravindra Jadeja is better than Shahid Afridi. I don't know why you lot would say that no one should play in Pak, we are starved of cricket and from T20 leagues such as the IPL. Were not desperate to play in the IPL or anything. We won't say anything about Javagal Srinath, Sachin Tendulkar or Virendar Sehwag, as they are way cut above the mediocre Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, Inzamam-ul-haq, Abdul Razzaq. I'm not trying to manipulate into feeling sorry for us, but my point is that we don't care if any Ishant Sharma is better than any Mohammad Aamir.

Bruisers
on July 7, 2012, 12:12 GMT

@Sonya Jones @EnglishCricket @Crazy4cricket40 @wiseshah - I can't quite make out why you people say "he plays for his own recods".. Look at his ODI strike rate 86.2 which is much much better than Ponting's 80.3, Lara's 79.5, Kallis' 72.9 and Dravid's 71.2.. It is also way better than Jayawardene's 78.1, Sangakkara's 75.5, Ganguly's 73.7, S.Waugh's 75.9, Hayden's 78.9, Clarke's 78.8 and Inzamam's 74.2.. In fact his Strike rate is even better than the most destructive batsman in the world CHRIS GAYLE (84.2).. And don't foget the incredible average and numerous match-winning innings to go with the S/R.. So now tell me, how does all that make him a selfish batsman??? Cricinfo pls pls publish..

on July 7, 2012, 11:29 GMT

I am a great fan of Sachin, but allowing him to decide on which tours he is going to play is a little bit overboard. It will not work out in team sports because when ever he comes into the team it would upset the team combination. Which slot will he play, will he open or come 1 or 2 down. Whom will they sacrifice if he is back. I am sure every Indian would want Sachin to play in one days, but also spare of thought for the youngsters who are not aware if their place is secured in the team irrespective of their good performances.

alok_007
on July 7, 2012, 10:54 GMT

@desilva39, @Sarangarajan: For your info... when sachin was selected for CB series in Australia. Sachin wanted to play all the games, same was the case for gambhir and sehwag, but it was Dhoni who didnt allow dem to play continuously.. instead he played all games not giving chance to any other young keepers... the cost we paid was that we didnt qualify for CB series finals.... Now coming to the question sachin choses series and other players are waiitng... firstly when he plays dhoni says i cant allow three senior's at top order one has to sit outside... same was case for the Asia cup for which sehwag sat out... Now talking of your so called young players what did they do when they went in WestIndies to play against there second grade team.... Leaving Pujara all were total failure.. that too against teh weakest team... We shout a lot about youngsters what are they doing playing in IPL as a champion and when dey are called in national team dey are failure???

praveen4honestremark
on July 7, 2012, 10:47 GMT

@ Patturaja Murugaboopathy ...Yes, let him play...But y then he is skipping tours like that. Be a part of team or just retire bcoz it will hinder the rise of youngsters who come and go out side to give a place for Sachin as soon as he comes again. 2015 world cup team has to be made, and this Sachin is just worsening things but not helping. Team balance is lost every time he goes out and comes back

praveen4honestremark
on July 7, 2012, 10:42 GMT

@ Patturaja Murugaboopathy ...Yes, let him play...But y then he is skipping tours like that. Be a part of team or just retire bcoz it will hinder the rise of youngsters who come and go out side to give a place for Sachin as sson as he again comes. 2015 world cup team has to be made, and no wonder this Sachin is just worsening things but not helping.

on July 7, 2012, 10:39 GMT

This is becoming a joke now really. I respect Sachin for all that he has achieved all these years but honestly this attitude of his suggests that he is above the team and above everyone else. He is losing all the respect that he has achieved all these years and BCCI is losing its hold on the players by allowing him to do so. ECB has taken a stand on Kevein Pietersen showing that he is not above the team and at the end of the day he is only a part of it. By giving all these rights to Sachin BCCI is putting a bad influence on the rest of the players. I still think Sachin should have retired straightaway after the WC 2011 and if he thinks he can pick and choose any series he wants to play then he is doing injustice to the formation of the team and to the few upcoming players on the bench..

on July 7, 2012, 10:19 GMT

Sachin has fulfilled our wishes every time India won these two decades. Lets support him to fulfill his own wish to play more for the country.

desilvac39
on July 7, 2012, 9:57 GMT

If this series with Bangaladesh or Zimbabwe Sachin will defeneitly play because he could score another 2-3 centuries. He is playing for his personal records and he is very well know he can't play big innings against present Sri Lankan team. Further more he is a smart thinker and skipping tough series and only play against present minors of the world cricket. I bet he will play against New Zealand hehehehe

Sarangarajan
on July 7, 2012, 9:53 GMT

Sachin's policy of"pick and choose at will" to play for India is a serious slap on the game of Cricket and more so on BCCI. His explanation about T20 is a joke because he chose to represent Mumbai Indians in the IPL. May be playing for India in the T20s does not excite him anymore money wise. And of course money does not excite him anymore because Cricket has given him more than he could have hoped for.

g.narsimha
on July 7, 2012, 9:41 GMT

KIWIROCKER-(7-7-12-1.15I )i u have doubt on SAHWAAGs capability pl go through the high light of MULTAAN test as u r s wa the best bowling how he treated them so he too doesnt need certificate ,u need not worry on our team , u better think of u r team with out aged players like MISBAAH, YUNIS u r pathetic , thoroughly exposed by SL, in both odis, tests that too in our part of the world , no young bats man capable of scoring run aball , even on asian pitches, last time in AUS with full strenght it was total white wash 3-0, 5-0 ICANT EMAGINE WHAT WILL BE THE FATE OF U R TEAM THIS TIME , AS U R LONE STRIKER WITH FULL SLEEVES was aiso pathetic as he is ave 111 in AUS.OUR TEAM ONLY FAILED IN 2 AWAY SERIES THAT too AFTER A LONG PRIOD IN ODIS our young team thrashed eng 5-0 we have bats men capable of chaging any total as in AUS, DHAKAA i think u r s is in very mesarable condition as no team is willing to visit u r place, u r desperate to have asries with us to improve finacial

renegademike
on July 7, 2012, 9:27 GMT

SRT's chasing the golden duet of 50 centuries in both forms,n he's stuck on 49 ODI 100s. This's the only reason why he continued playing ODIs even after WC-11.
Its no secret that he cant play in the 2015 WC, n on form he's not in the country's top 6 batsmsn. he's played in the team as a pure batsman who has never had any fielding accountability as well. he has always fielded in the most hideous positions, n its a fact that when ever he'll play India's going to be a fielder short.
But unfortunately the selectors dont pick him, but he chooses wen to play.being the senior most guy in the team he should be taking responsibility for teams performance but never did v see him once coming to any PC in Aus.

Having said that tendulkar would be eyeing the Eng tour,n it would be fitting for him to play his last game on Indian soil.
he is a reasonable man n lets hope he gets his 5oth ODI ton n calls it a day, it would be a pity should he embarasses himself n his fans like sanath jayasuriya

Riderstorm
on July 7, 2012, 9:26 GMT

I have said it a number of times and I'll say it again. What purpose does sachin choosing the series he decides to play serves, apart from his. It doesn't help the youngsters as he is not around all the time. It doesn't serve the team well enough in important series, due to lack of form once or his absence altogether. I could understand if he is not fit enough or needs rest. But, his choices seem selfish and irrational to me. Thanks for everything you've done till now sachin. But, the team needs something consistent and not somebody who places his needs higher than the team at this crucial juncture, with the struggles and transitions. I wish he makes a pragmatic choice that can serve the team better even for a short while.

jasonpete
on July 7, 2012, 9:11 GMT

Posted by Sonya Jones on (July 07 2012, 06:39 AM GMT), u call tendulkar useless? Do you even watch cricket? Ask warne and McGrath,they will let you know about this little master.Give respect to the great player.He has average around 70 against Australia.And he has better record against all playing nations.He fared well against all top quality bowlers from Pakistan,west indies and australia during the period of 90's. Know about cricket and stats first before you write something silly.i am not an indan but he s respected all over the world including Ponting.cricinfo publish please.

on July 7, 2012, 9:09 GMT

Sachin was the top scorer in 1996,2003 WC and was second leading scorer in WC2011

praveen4honestremark
on July 7, 2012, 9:07 GMT

@Full-Blooded-Wallop on (July 07 2012, 08:38 AM GMT)...That's a good point you made, hope even people who just support Sachin should feel to support another player sitting out and change their thinking after they read your point. I re-post it here : 'He notched runs at an avg of 30 in his first 79 matches without a single century'

g.narsimha
on July 7, 2012, 9:06 GMT

engliskcricket-(6-7-12-13.58)Iven if PONTING played more matches than sachin he is sill no way near to SACHIN see th stats - PONTING TESTS-165-13346, AVE-52, 100-41, 50-62, ODIS-375- 13704-AVE-42-100-30, 50-82 in test his home ave is 60 where he was pathetic in INDIA , at 26 ave, one century all his other 11 100s were scored in AUS, SACHI- T-188-15470-AVE-55.44-100-51-50-65, ODIS-463-AVE-44.83-100-49-50-96, in tests he scored more centuries out side india , his ave, in home & away are similar where as ponting scoredc @60 in AUS, LETS analise the notion if he played as many as sachin , ponting played23 test less than sachin ,behind 10 -100s, aboutb 1800 runs , no doubt he might have gone close to sachin but in odis he is far behind WHERE AS sachin had hadsome ave against all top teams-in AUS-AVE-53-100S-6-50S-7, IN eng-AVE-56-4-100S-8-50S, in SA ave-46-100s5-50s-3,i fail to understand why non inddians responds as if he is blocking their players chances , its play back time .

RajuallenEmanuel
on July 7, 2012, 9:00 GMT

Its as Simple as tis "No one is perfect". Sachin s not an exception. He to has his own share of history on weakness against Left-arm Spinners. If he has weakness even after playing for India Over 20+ years. Y they blame the youngsters for their weakness. THEY NEEDED TO BE GIVEN A LONG RUN AT TEST nd ODI CONTINUOUSLY. That is the only way 2 find replacement for players like sachin nd Dravid. Sachin is not a Man from Mars who also ahead of others, he is also man from one of the states of India. HAVE HE ONE A SINGLE MATCH OR PLAYED A SINGLE MATCH WINNING INNINGS IN LAST AUSTRALIA SERIES?? Where Comes the performance based selection process here?? Its upto Selector's to pick or drop a person not the person himself.

praveen4honestremark
on July 7, 2012, 8:58 GMT

@Narbavi on (July 06 2012, 14:02 PM GMT),....Rightly said. Kallis has done lot of service to team than Sachin did. And moreover even not able to plan his career properly but just prolonging career. If you ask Dhoni and Sachin one question, they replied in two different ways.
Question : What are your plans about playing next world cup??
Dhoni's answer: I will retire in one of the formats and will only play 2015 world cup if i feel fit by end of 2013 ; then i will play
Sachin answer: I will play till i enjoy cricket..
When you look at too comments, there is lot of difference. You can say one thinks for team( Dhoni) http://www.espncricinfo.com/india/content/story/545748.html
and thinks of just playing for himself ( Sachin)

Naresh28
on July 7, 2012, 8:44 GMT

@sonya jones look at the 2003 world cup in SA. He was tops in batting. He led
India to several victories although we lost the final due to poor bowling/feilding.

Full-Blooded-Wallop
on July 7, 2012, 8:38 GMT

Those who saying there is no replacement of tendulkar, just remember the fact that replacements are created when they are given a proper go. Tendulkar was not the same tendulkar at the start of his career. He notched runs at an avg of 30 in his first 79 matches without a single century. Period.

Naresh28
on July 7, 2012, 8:35 GMT

Yep all those bashing Sachin should ask themselves if they can play better than him. Most of his achievements have come when he was younger so dont compare a current record rather look at his whole achievement which people tend to forget.
He is a 39yrs old not a teen any more and can still put some youngsters to shame
with his batting like scoring a 200 in an ODI.

mansman
on July 7, 2012, 8:32 GMT

SRT - the best of the best, several cuts above the rest. May he play till cricket the sport walls off the planet (which is, like, a few years away)

coolindianfan
on July 7, 2012, 8:31 GMT

@rtruth "I still remember 1999 Chennai test where he out himself to saqlain when only 16 runs required to win with 4 or5 winckets in hands" dude amazing analyzing skill do u know that sachin was batting in such pain most people wont be able to even run forget winning matches to make matters worse the pitch was full of deamons and against perhaps the best bowling attack in the world .couldnt 4 or 5 batsmen make 16 runs.We lost the match because of bad empiring decissions ganguly and shrinath were not out.I clearly remember it. worst is that he was crying after the match.had he played for records he could have retired heart immediately after 100 right ?he made more runs in 4th inning then the other 10 combined .amazing how u could ignore this .Sachin has 61 man of the matches .He dosent require ur certification to be a match winner haha

montys_muse
on July 7, 2012, 8:27 GMT

Can a cricketer talk about "his career" at all? Team sport is very different from individual sport. You are picked to play for your country, not for your career.

coolindianfan
on July 7, 2012, 8:07 GMT

@sonya jones u say he is useless can u play cricket better then him.As far as
Ricky pointing is concerned he himself admits that sachin is the best batsmen of his era .He flopped in the wc finals, but none the less has the highest run scorer in both world cups how can u ignore such a fact . personal recordsthere is nothing more one can achieve he is way better then any one else (barring lara).

on July 7, 2012, 8:04 GMT

As if losing the last international tournament was not enough- this shameless man (god) wants to inflict himself on us some more . Oh puhlease will someone tell him to go..

on July 7, 2012, 7:56 GMT

Sachin scored a century against a meaningless side like bangladesh in Asia Cup,yet India lost the match,why? He wasted too many deliveries in scoring the century.

on July 7, 2012, 7:48 GMT

Well he shud play as much matches as he cann. wats the logic?? why is he skipping matches??

on July 7, 2012, 7:46 GMT

The more centuries he scores in ODI the more matches india had been in the loosing side.Pick players who Plays for the interest of the team.

on July 7, 2012, 7:43 GMT

Sachin please Retire n allow youngsters to STEP IN india team.. MANISH PANDEY, RAHANE, MANERIA etc are waiting eagerly.. < mot saying he hasnt done anythng to india cricket.. he has done most of it,.. but now its time he shud handover the responsibility to young guns

on July 7, 2012, 7:29 GMT

And kudos to him for not being selfish and continuing playing... The man is sacrificing his legacy for the team's cause!! He has averaged in the mid 40's over the past one and a half years which ain't good for a player like him but he knows that the team is already in search for a replacement for Dravid and his retirement would create more burden upon the team! Kudos to Sachin for such unselfish behaviour!!!

on July 7, 2012, 7:27 GMT

The WORLD T20 shall be played in Srilanka... Sachin shall not participate in it! Wouldn't it be a better idea to let the youngsters who SHALL participate in the tournament go to Srilanka to play the series??!! *common sense FGS* Well done to SRT for resting.

Solace1
on July 7, 2012, 7:22 GMT

I still remember, in 2003 world cup, the then dutch captain was 44yrs old and he was a fast bowler, so why can't a batsman play a world cup at the age of 45 or 46? Sachin should retire only after the worldcup in 2019 in england, so that he can go out with a unique record of winning the world cup in india australia and also england! We want to see more and more records from Sachin the god!!

Aristotle01
on July 7, 2012, 7:20 GMT

kiwirocker.. Are u that desperate to proove pakistan has a better cricket team and cricket culture in india? REALLY? How shallow of you to demean truly great, iconic once in a lifetime , star quality legends like sachin who has made it to the all time eleven of cricinfo, the all time eleven of benaud, and bradman's 11 too??? Are you that dissillusioned with national pride. and atleast speak the truth. I mean arent you really ashamed of your outlandish comparision of Younis khan to SRT? Come on guys No pak batsman, past or present can even hold a candle to India's srt, dravid and gavaskar. Like it or lump it. Tell me any former player or current plyaer or present day expert who doesnt agree that sachin is an atime great. Why do u seethe with so muh anger or jealousy all the time.. Boss sachin is the best and better than the whole pak team put together.kiwirocker hate sachin is becoz he has been instrumnetal in defeating them in 3 world cup matches and ending 2 Ws career

Narbavi
on July 7, 2012, 7:19 GMT

@rahulcricket007: Next time you compare kallis with sachin, think twice, because Kallis is the greatest of all time, no doubt, he averages more than Sachin in both formats, not only that, he has taken close to 600 intl wickets, excellent slip fielder, and at the age of 37 still bowls at 140, and bats in the top order, are you kidding me?? this man has no equal living mortal!!

on July 7, 2012, 7:18 GMT

It is surprising how so many 'armchair' cricket followers suddenly think they are experts when it comes to this topic. Lets put things in perspective and this speaks a lot of an individual's attitude and make up:
- Age should not be the yardstick to determine whether Sachin remains in the team or not
- Playing an inconsequential series in Sri Lanka is not a big deal. It is a known fact that India play too much cricket. With a history of injuries, Sachin wants to rest up, spend time with family and prepare for the proper season of cricket ahead.
- Saying Sachin is playing for records is flawed. How many of you actually play competitive cricket? If you do you will know that you play for the match/team and not the record. They are a product of your success. If Sachin was desperate for records, then he probably would have got his 100th century earlier. But the fact that he didn't for a while shows he is human. The great are successful because they give themselves more chance to succeed!

on July 7, 2012, 7:11 GMT

Sachin will plau for India in 50 overs cricket, till he gets his 50th ODI hundred. He is on 49 ODI hundreds.

Sachin has played several match winning hundreds in ODIs, including World Cups.
He is ranked the best ever for batting in ODIs.

praveen4honestremark
on July 7, 2012, 7:10 GMT

From the sportsman perspective it's tough to retire; should say find a right time to retire because always mind will say to play , play and play. But a person of Sachin stature who can easily plan for his batting , how to train himself and how to practice..can't he at least for once think of team to be made for 2015 world cup when all other countries are trying to make a team, we are lagging behind. Sachin is the culprit and the BCCI are the biggest culprits and cause of downfall of Indian cricket now.

suruz9
on July 7, 2012, 6:57 GMT

tendulkar is god of cricket and is the greatest batsmen of all time...he has every right to retire when he feels...

on July 7, 2012, 6:39 GMT

Lol. This useless fellow will keep playing and keep going after personal milestones. Has he played a match winning knocks like Ponting in the world cup? Tendulker is useless and overrated.

rahulcricket007
on July 7, 2012, 6:37 GMT

@KIWIROCKR . your kallis 's average is inside 30 in england , your kallis never stood up against the likes of warne & mcgrath . & what can be said about kallis record against sl . only 1 test century against sl ( that too was made recently ), kallis was bamboozled by murali in his early career .

rsrinath
on July 7, 2012, 6:28 GMT

@kiwirocker "tendulkar doesnt have a good 4th inngs record" didnt he win a test match agnst england in chepak with an unbeaten 103? and u say that he has not won WC's for india....did u watch 2011 WC? it was his 85 in s/f that took india to finals...and u got a so called stat to prove that he is ineffective agnst donald, mcgrath, etc.....but he has scored wonderful centuries agnst them even in their own backyard...and you are saying that tendulkar and sehwag combined have not won many matches for india....i would recommend you to watch the scorecard of 2004 multan test match..........

cricjunk
on July 7, 2012, 6:28 GMT

well ..i dont noe wht u guys r talking abt..coz sachin doesnt need 2 play for any further records..if der will b a record 2 b broken dan it definitely will b his record only...man just want sum time 2 spend with his family ..most of u guys say dat he should leave the team n give chance for younger players 2 cum...but no youngster can come n replace him coz he hav a more dan 20 yr experience of cricket...virat rohit and raina are doin well but do u sincerely hope dat a youngster can replacesachin in cricket...the man is full of principles and if he wants sum time to rest y not give him..people say dat wheneva he scores a century india looses but hav u guys thought abt 1 thing dat in most of the matches he has scored 100++ runs and india lost ..if he wouldn"t hav contributed dan india would hav definitely ended on da loosing side..

Muhtasim13
on July 7, 2012, 6:26 GMT

Indian selectors have to be more straightforward with Sachin's case. If they feel that Sachin is being a burden on the team, then they should come forward and ask him to retire, just like Australia dealt with Ricky Ponting.

sidsway14
on July 7, 2012, 6:18 GMT

you are talking about a guy who endorsed both pepsi n coca cola.. if u r asked wat he's endorsing.. people pause.. so many competing brands.. from tht alone.. we can assure tht he is in this for the money.. tht alone.. if he couldnt win a match for india in both england n australia.. do we really need him.. i seriously doubt.. and if he's playing at his best.. how come his averages in the last 2 years just plummeted.. i seriously doubt his guys credentials as this larger than life superhero who selflessly sacrifices his life for the betterment of his country's cricket.. well he's depriving this country with generations of fresh talents and he will loose his image today or tomorrow.. people will loathe him for his selfish hypocrisy.. i dont agree with kp's stand to snub ecb by not playing.. but atleast tht is better than what tendulkar is doing.. for new players come into england and they are winning.. "kevin who" is valid right now..

on July 7, 2012, 6:17 GMT

All the best to Sachin!... It can never be justified that I can suggest you something but still if you are reading this...."All those so called best players of all time like Lara, Inzi and etc etc... were very smart in the sense that they used to pick those situations/matches where they would like to perform to their best".... In your case, situation was never an option, you give your best-shot all the time you stepped on cricket field. Now, may be, you can select the situations as well. You have reached the heights that no one ever before had even dreamt of, so nobody knows the temperature/pressure conditions at that level, more than you. So just listen to your fans only, they are happy for you where you are now...:-)

PerfectTen
on July 7, 2012, 5:57 GMT

I sincerely hope & pray that the replacements play well enough to keep SRT out of the ODI squad for ever. I completely agree with US_Indian in saying that more than Tendulkar, it's the Board and its cronies like SMG & Ravi Shastri who have created that aura around him and made him feel indispensable. The other day, debating on the same issue, a nobody called Atul Wasan shamelessly says the country should indulge him for all his contributions. This can happen only in India. Would request media to stop getting such people to talk on national TV.

screamingeagle
on July 7, 2012, 5:53 GMT

Give the guy a break. He just wants to play 2015 WC, maybe get his son in the team, and if he stays fit, play the 2019 WC. Thats all. Let him play. :) Obviously, not serious. This is turning out into a joke.

addicted_to_chaos
on July 7, 2012, 5:46 GMT

He is merely playing for another record or milestone or whatever meaningless stats...... what a pity such a talent, the best technical batsmen has done very less for the team........
Respect for Dravid...

AbhayM
on July 7, 2012, 5:43 GMT

@Crazy4cricket40: u remember chancy 85 against pak which eventually won d game. then how cud u forget 100 against england & his record in WC 2011 is 9matches 482 runs with HS of 120 ave 53.55 & SR 91.98 with 2 hundreds & 2 fiftees (only yuvi bettered him in batting) & u still complain. hahahaha

on July 7, 2012, 5:23 GMT

Dear All,

Will any one including me who commented in this can score atleast a 50 in a international format. What was indian cricket from 1990 to 2000 it was only sachin.. even there was big shots in the team... all ended up in sachin's wicket.. can any other player stay all this 23 years like him.. Sachin know when to retire and when not too... and if he was aiming for records he could have made much more than he has...

If you guys cannot respect him... please keep your mouth shut.. we have no idea how lucky we are to get a master batsmen like him.. can any one point one player in the indian team with a consistent form..

SACHIN -- U rock bro...!!! Keep rocking..!!!

KiwiRocker-
on July 7, 2012, 4:17 GMT

I find it distasteful that Tendulya's fans belittle other great cricketers just to show how good Tendulya is/was. Numbers are always objective and tell an honest, unbiased story. Tendulya's average in 4th inngs of a test match is mere 37, where the likes of Master Sunil Gavaskar, Dravid and Younis khan stood up. These are players who know how to defend but as well as win. J.Kallis has a higher average in both ODI and test matches than Tendulkar. J.Kallis has scored against anyone everywhere.Tendulya averaged 33 against McGrath, Wasim and Donald so surely thats not scoring against the best- Now lets talk about thoese worthless 100 centuries. Inzemam scored 25 centuries and won 15 test matches. Tenduly and Sehwag combined have not won that much and NO, India still had a decent bowling attack.Now, lets talk about being a team man. Tendulya left No.11 against SA to save his own wicket and his so called 100th century cost India Asia cup. What exactly Tendulya has won? No test series/No WC?

Narbavi
on July 7, 2012, 4:11 GMT

Why don't you people understand this simple logic?? He has been playing ever since he was 16, had someone that time didn't retire, then how would have sachin entered the team in the first place?? This guy can play from 16, whereas the other talented players like Rahane and the others need to wait even though they are already 24 or 25 now?? What logic is this?? Doesn't he realise he has done everything in ODI cricket and there are others who also dream of doing the same and waiting, someone said kallis and hussey will be 40 when they play the next world cup, hilarious really, Sachin has played for 23yrs and has also won a world cup whereas Kallis hasn't won a world cup yet, so he wants to try for one last time and Hussey hasn't even played for 10yrs, he came in to the side very late, meaningless comparisons by some of you!!

on July 7, 2012, 4:10 GMT

Sachin is record centric as we all know...It was displayed in his 100th 100 knock against bangladesh..Why did he play in asia cup??Answer he could not score a hundred in australia...he wanted one more series in the form of asia cup..Now that he achieved what he wanted he takes rest to prepare himself for CHAMPIONS LEAGUE...Only in INDIA PEOPLE SKIP GAMES...Dravid never did that, infact he did not even ask for farewell game.Ponting was sacked by a selector who has hardly played first class cricketer, can you ever imagine such a thing with india?

Narbavi
on July 7, 2012, 4:05 GMT

@Desiboi80: WOW, you should be saluted bro, you compare the lifestyle of normal humans with that of cricketers?? Ok fine you ask people if they are ready to quit their jobs early for the sake of next generation?? Sure, give me a package where i can earn atleast one crore per year and i promise you i will quit within 10yrs!! This is a team sport, the players represent the entire nation, We the fans have right to question a player's spot in the team, got it??

Dashgar
on July 7, 2012, 4:03 GMT

He's got to be careful. Out of form and letting younger players come in and stake their claim. He was almost dropped in Australian. There may be no coming back this time.

Philippe
on July 7, 2012, 4:00 GMT

I dont care watever ppl say about sachin tendulkar.. but he is the champ.. he will take decision at the right time.. I scare the day he left playing cricket for India.. that would be the saddest day in Indian cricket as nobody had so much of love from all over cricket fans than him.. In india dravid may be nearest to him..

Sachin Sir, I m very very N very big fan you. How many are those like me. I wish you will never take a retirement. I want to see you play. But someday, sometime you will be retired. .. friends, i wana ask you why he should take retirement. You are talking about youngster, tell me which youngster have formed ??? ONly kholi is one who is good & have a bright future in all three format. Vaishe bhi, they are not youngster. Playing more than 100 matches how can you say they are youngster. Suresh Raina, Rohit Sharma N others , they are good in 20 -20 overs. But what happen when they paly in other format, specially in abroad.Sehwag, Ghambir, Yuvi & Dhoni all are good. But they are not youngster. They are now experienced players. They have learn the art of cricket. Friend, Plz tell me the name of that younster who can replace sachin ????? First you think twice before you say anything. Plz dnt say kholi becoz he is replacement of Rahul. Tell me other .???????

karthik_raja
on July 7, 2012, 3:05 GMT

@Lord_Dravid. Pleasing to hear such a statement frm a Dravid's fan(unlike few other "so-called" Dravid fans here) Good day mate.

karthik_raja
on July 7, 2012, 3:02 GMT

@Crazy4cricket40. since u hv brought up MINNOWS concept, lets look @ his performance against strongest teams. Whom wil u accept as strongest.?? Aus.? Eng.? SA.? Pak? SL? And don't look just centuries. Look @ his overall contribution. Average.?? SRT against Aus - 71.4 SL - 49.5 SA - 46.6 Pak - 48 Eng - 43.35. Are these not "the best" averages one can hav against these quality sides.?? He has scored 7 centuries against Aus @ winning cause. Clearly, the best team of his era. And don't consider WI and NZ as minnows. They might be now. Bt, not a decade ago. U dare to face Walsh, Ambrose & co in 90s..? And u call them minnows. NZ r always dangerous & unpredictable in ODIs, else they might not hv qualified for WC playoffs these many times.

EverybodylovesSachin
on July 7, 2012, 2:54 GMT

Love you Sachin..God bless you..Thanks for the entertainment..Lucky to be born in your era...Please do not retire...keep playing ..You are the GOD of cricket..

praveen4honestremark
on July 7, 2012, 2:53 GMT

We( called as Sachin bashers by Sachin die hard fans ; but we call ourselves Indian cricket and team lovers) didn't say that he has right to play or not. He can as well decide to play any game he wants and leave any game he doesn't want. The question arises here is ' Is he ready to accept if BCCI drops him even after he doesn't fair well'??.'There were instances in his long career when he lost form and still given more than enough chances, so why he should not be removed if only if other player in his place will play better in his place in this series after we compare this player stats after he completes tour with Sachin stats when he lastly played Srilanka here,vl you ppl accept that???' BCCI will not remove bcoz the truth is many ad companies are tied up with Sachin and those companies force BCCI not to remove him but it never feels to make a strong Indian team for 2015 world cup.'Ppl who think Sachin is only 1 in this 100 crore people with talent and irreplaceable r wrong'.Respect.

asraruwant
on July 7, 2012, 2:46 GMT

GUYS MARK MY WORDS, SACHIN WILL NOT RETIRE UNLESS HE IS SURE THAT HIS TEST RECORD WONT BE BROKEN, THE CLOSEST IS KALLIS WITH 42 HUNDREDS IN TESTS AND HE IS 51. AND SACHIN IS SITTING AT 49 ODI HUNDREDS, SO HE WANTS TO REACH 50 HUNDREDS IN ODI'S AS WELL. AND TO BE HONEST ANYONE IN HIS PLACE WILL DO THE SAME. AFTER PLAYING FOR SO LONG AND SO WELL, YOU WOULD'NT WANNA GIVE UP AT THE END. SO I AM IN FULL SUPPORT OF SACHIN IN THIS.

karthik_raja
on July 7, 2012, 2:43 GMT

@RandyOZ. Being a part of 100 Test victories is definitely a huge achievement, bt that has very few to do wid Ponting. Its more of a team effort, esp bowlers effect(since Test matches r won by bowlers). Ponting shud thank Mcgrath, Lee, Gillespie, Warne for helping him to achieve this feat. Bt, 100 International centuries is something which we really "UNHEARD" of. For which, Ind team shud thank him. U will agree that those 10000+ runs scored will go to Team's score. Only insane will claim that centuries are for personal records. Isn't it..?? In other words, Team helped Punter to achieve the said milestone. Bt, SRT helped team's cause with his own milestone. Which one is better..?? Intellectuals, please think.. :D

karthik_raja
on July 7, 2012, 2:35 GMT

@g.jeevan05 @RandyOZ, Since u both brought Ponting to this discussion, lemme point out that Ponting was DROPPED frm ODIs not coz of aging factor, bt due to awful form he sustained in last 2/3 years. Check his stats against SRT and then compare these two. I hv to agree that Ponting is "the best" batsman for Aus and will surely be talked in the same league(may b a touch low) of SRT in future.

US_Indian
on July 7, 2012, 2:32 GMT

Please read my previous comment-
It is not Sachin's fault that he thinks he is above everyone but purely the fault of we Indian's who have a bad habit of giving demi-god status to ordinary mortals and the incompetence and gutlessness of our BCCI who can only think of money and dance to the tunes of individuals but never ever able to take a firm stance and say enough is enough. Tell him straight in the face either you call it quits or we do not select you at all but the board does not have in them to do that.
He talks about himself and in his every sentence his inflated ego clearly shows and he says he is indispensable. people say that by opting out of few meaningless serieses he is providing an opportunity to youngsters to get in but my question is even when a youngster performs he is not guaranteed his place when sachin returns so it is always a naked sword hanging over newcomers neck which does not serve the purpose nor does it gives confidence to newcomers to perform without fear.

karthik_raja
on July 7, 2012, 2:28 GMT

@Srusti Ranjan. Do u hv any evidence to support ur argument? If so, kindly post them. Even if u r rite, if SRT has told Dravid that he still wants to play T20, any1 can stop him?? So, he decided not to play T20I coz, he felt like wt he said. As we know by his stats in IPL, he is definitely a better(if not best) batsman in T20s also.

US_Indian
on July 7, 2012, 2:25 GMT

I have been reading all this comments and have been following cricket for almost 30 years and played cricket at a certain level.
I could not but agree that team balance and needs come first rather than any individual.
No player is bigger than the game or the nation.
People are talking about replacements not there, how can there be if we have been playing with the same 4/5 guys all these last 15-20 years or so. One example to cite is Mohammed Kaif, he was a more versatile batsman for all formats and a brilliant fielder but if someone analyses his records they will find him being left out even after scoring highly and also causing india to win few crucial matches whenever he has played just to find him out the next match to accomodate one of the fab 4's which itself is gross injustice, if he was persisted with right now we would have had a more experienced guy and another example is Badrinath, players should be selected and given a long run before deciding that they are good or not. TBC

Stanmclean
on July 7, 2012, 2:13 GMT

An overrated player, playing for a overrated team.

Just_love_it
on July 7, 2012, 2:03 GMT

Salute u Sachin..please keep playing as long as u enjoy game..People like u born only once in a century. Im pure lucky to witness u playing since my childhood. May God bless u lil Master

sabbor
on July 7, 2012, 2:01 GMT

there is no reason for him to retire yet, he is still playing very well, he is still good for test match and one day match, maybe he isnt belong to t20

Crazy4cricket40
on July 7, 2012, 1:54 GMT

@ADNAN_MAMOON..OUT 34 WINNING CENTURIES 9 CAME AGAINST MINOS LIKE KENYA, ZIM, BANGLADESH AND NAMIBIA, 8 AGAINST W.I AND NEW ZEALAND...AND WE KNOW W.I AND NZ ARE NOT THAT STRONGER ANY MORE. SO TOTAL 17 CENTURIES....CAME AGAINST WEAEKR OPPONONETS. SO ONLY 17 WIINING CENTURIES OUT 49 CAME AGAISNT STRONGER OPPONENTS LIKE AUS, SA, ENG PAK AND SRILANKA....I CAN PROVIDE U MORE STATS ABT HIS CENTRUIES AND HIS STRIKE RATE BETWEEN 70 RUNS TO 100. HE HAS TAKEN ALMOST THE DOUBLE BALLS TO MAKE THIS 30 RUNS IN MOST OF HIS CENTURIES. ITS AFTER 100 HE TRIES ACCELERATE TO IMPROVE HIS SR AND HE DOES NOT CARE EVEN IF HE GETS OUT AFTER HIS 100.

kristee
on July 7, 2012, 1:42 GMT

Perhaps a drama he enacts with the selectors. He's, at best, in his side what it is in world cricket. Very special, commercially and just average in cricketing terms. I'm not talking of his career as such. His prospective utility in coming days is exaggerated for commercial reasons, it seems.

on July 7, 2012, 1:35 GMT

Indian CRicket reminds me of the classic "Animal Farm", written by George Orwell, as a sort of a parody for Stalin's Russia:... where all animals are EQUAL, but some animals are MORE EQUAL than others!

Crazy4cricket40
on July 7, 2012, 1:23 GMT

Well one simple question...WHY IS HE SKIPPING TOURS IF HE IS ENJOYING....clearly wants to play longer to make more records. May b 100 fifties and 7 world cups. Also if he is thinking he shoould not be part of 2007 t20 world cup.....so does he think that he should have been a part of 2011 50 over world cup..I don't think at all....what did he do in whole tournarment except 85 against pakistan in semi and do I need to mention how many chances he got including that lbw DRS decission.....to make 85...NO DOUBT HE IS LEGEND, GREAT BUT VERY SELFISH....

on July 7, 2012, 1:21 GMT

I wonder if the BCCI will ever take a tough stance and ask Tendulker to make way for young players, like the Australian selectors did with Ricky Ponting. I very much doubt someone will actually take such measures because in India, people have put Tendulker on a high pedestal. So, if anyone seeks to replace him, than he/she will be crucified. Anyway, selectors should think about the future and start finding replacements for the old horses in the team.

KiwiRocker-
on July 7, 2012, 1:15 GMT

Sehwag a bonafide flattrack bulley supporting Tendulya a well known non performer. Both Tendulya and Sehwag think that they are bigger than the game itself while reality is that no one is bigger than the beuatiful game of cricket. Sir Viv Rirchards, Imran Khan, and Sunil Gavaksar will always be remembered because they knew when to quit. Tendulya epitomises modern day greed that has crept among modern day players- He is prolonging his career while ruining his own so called legacy and many other promising cricketing careers. Lets be honest, India has no quality spin bowlers, hardly any fast bowlers, and worryingly no quality batsmen like Dravid and Laxman! It is time that Indian selecors make a tough call similar to what Australian selectors had done with Mark Taylor, Healy and Pakistani selectors had with likes of Waqar Younis and drop Tendulya from ODI's as well as test matches.

ozwriter
on July 7, 2012, 0:27 GMT

SRT needs to be smarter. the only reason he retired from T20 was that he knew he didnt have the time to make any big records. he is continuing ODI and tests to extend his records of most centuries, most runs, high average etc. if ponting, sangakarra, viv richards, don bradman, steve waugh, mark waugh, hayden, brian lara had played as many games as SRT, they would surely have made even better records.

mps400
on July 7, 2012, 0:01 GMT

Here's a suggestion. Why doesn't Tendulkar retire? Nice and simple, and the team can move on. If you are in the team, you should not have the right to pick and choose when you play, regardless of whether you have player two months or twenty years. This is a team sport, and if he is going to put himself up for an ODI slot, then he should make himself available for ALL tours. What absolute rubbish and shame on you sycophants!

sunny_god
on July 6, 2012, 23:50 GMT

Any player can advise the board that he is not available for selection for a particular series depending upon injury, mental/physical fatigue or any other reason for that matter.
Then when they are fit and/or ready, they can inform again that they are available for the next series.
It is upto the selection board to consider that player for the series or not. The decision is NOT players.
So Sachin is doing the same thing. (like Viru, Dhoni , Zaheer etc.)
When next time he says he is available, selection panel can actually say no. But they would not as he brings in the bacon....
So all you guys, just understand the process before commenting...

AvidCricFan
on July 6, 2012, 23:46 GMT

Tendulakar opting out of series is fine. However, BCCI selection committee needs to think about future and see where these type of decisions fit in the make up of the team for the next WC. I am a big fan of Tendulkar. However, I don't think he needs to stay in the team now. He certainly can't be considered for the next WC. For the Indian cricket, looking at fuure needs to be the top priority. There are many selected in this team that are doubtful of the next WC. I certainly don't see Zaheer Khan lasting for the WC. I would rule out Shewag too, specially when the WC is on bouncy and pacy wickets.

indianpunter
on July 6, 2012, 23:44 GMT

what am i waiting for? why am i playing ODIs anymore? what do i have left to prove? am I holding up a youngster? answer these questions truthfully, Sachin, and you will know what the right thing to do is. Such a shame that the man is bigger than the game! only in India we have to carry this ignominy.

on July 6, 2012, 23:17 GMT

I just dont understand why Sachin keeps on saying he does not care what any XYZ or others feel about him playing on in ODIs. But he should care about what the selectors feel and what plans they might have for him and the country for the long-term. Ultimately it is his call or even more importantly the selectors' call. But as expected the selectors are all in love with him and will let him continue to decide on his playing future rather than taking a bold and brave stance of trying to coax him into ODI retirement not only for prolonging his Test career but most importantly in the interest of the country and other budding waiting young cricketers. Anyway he is above the game and country in Indian cricket now. So who cares?

FOTO
on July 6, 2012, 23:07 GMT

I am a BD fan but not like others. I have respect to India and I have to admit... Tendulker is better than the whole Bangladesh team. Tendulker is a legend. Not even Ricky Ponting didn't even come that close to him. I think he is the most rarest batsmen ever in cricket history. And I think he should play in the Australia World cup and see if he can paly against BD at a non-home pitch... it will be interesting bcoz of BD's new form but is bad in some outside cricket and poor batting and India struggling in Australlia's pitch in ODI's.

Humdingers
on July 6, 2012, 22:57 GMT

@kays79, mate wake up. Are you actually watching cricket. You have no idea do you.

Bukhari
on July 6, 2012, 22:34 GMT

Althoug a great player, Sachin is envious for the records..Plain and simple! He wants to complete 50th century and 100 fifties in ODIs. Also, he may play the next WC to be counted the only one to play 7 World Cups. Having said that, if he is fit enough and fits in the best playing eleven then he should play.
But if he is not in the scheme of next world cup then whoever is the replacement, must be given enough chances to settle into the team.

bul98
on July 6, 2012, 22:22 GMT

Only in India, they made player bigger then the Country and game by keep calling him GOD...Common no body is bigger then game, Yes he will play IPL but for country he wil pick and choose. There are lot of young players out there looking to play for their Country but this Guy is selfish and just doing what's good for him.just play for your records...really true cricket fans don't care about records they care about who is playing for their Country.

Gomzilla
on July 6, 2012, 22:19 GMT

Guys, give it a rest. Looking at the number of matches India plays every year, its no wonder guys like zaheer, viru etc are getting injured. SRT is 39 years old, and is in a position to pick and choose. This helps in 2 ways. He gets adequate rest, and can return as a rejuvenated player. The other is obviously his family. He deserves to spend some time with his family.
We know no one is above the team, but if the administrators are scheduling mindless series just for money, then this leaves player like viru, sachin etc, no choice but to skip them.

Simbha_Pride
on July 6, 2012, 21:57 GMT

You either die a hero, or you live long enough to see yourself become the villain!

mrmonty
on July 6, 2012, 21:47 GMT

I have quick question for those commenting on SRT's chutzpah for opting out of inconsequential tours. Where are these comments when a Mike Hussey opted out of Aussie tour to England or a Ricky Ponting opts out or a Marcus Trescothick opts out from subcontinental tours? Shall we say double standards? A player is human being, not a slave to his board. If he able and willing, he will be hired by the board for his next tour. Just point out better ODI players that can replace him (Rohit Sharma, whose brilliance is matched by his rashness; Raina, whose exploits against short ball are known; Sehwag, who is truly a subcontinent tiger; Rahane, a clone of Rohit Sharma), then we can move on by dumping SRT. Until then, don't make noise.

SanjivAwesome
on July 6, 2012, 21:17 GMT

How can he sustain his form if he interrupts game plays?

girijasankar
on July 6, 2012, 21:12 GMT

Sachin has all rights to play or skip as long as he wants. He has served the country more than 23 years. we should give him respect at any cost.

Reverse_Bat
on July 6, 2012, 21:01 GMT

Whats the big deal people...let him play as long as he can...and he is absolutely right on his decision...its none of anyone's business. I am sure 99% people in india and all over the world, wants him to play....there is no limit for anthing in sports...people who sits and write negative..have no sportsman spirit...God Bless Sachin

JasonVinoth
on July 6, 2012, 20:35 GMT

I feel that there is no player in India to replace Sachin or Dravid or Ganguly in ODIs or tests. So let there be an experienced one like them in the team atleast till one player among the youngster reach that level. (Just like when Azarudhin and Jadeja left the team Sachin was formed). Now Dravid is not there in the team, neither is Ganguly. So we could look only upon Sachin. Let Sachin be there till people like Dhoni or Shewag or Gambhir or Kohli develop their consistency so the team's batting line up will be a stable high.

ProdigyA
on July 6, 2012, 20:28 GMT

Myth's about Sachin:
1. He is playing for records - If so, he would have played every match specially in the last phase of his career.
2. He is bigger than cricket - He is still the premier batsman in India even at this age and hardly replaceable, so he is actually doing a favor by making himself available "ONLY FOR IMPORTANT TOURNAMENETS".
3. He is denying youngsters a place. - In fact, he is giving youngsters more opportunities by not being available for less important bilateral series.
4. Too selfish to retire - If age is the only criteria then he must retire. Personally, i think he is playing as good as he ever did, his average is also much better than many.
5. He is greedy for money - LOL, enough said.

So what do u want from him, retire and now and when the country needs him most, unretire again and make a fool of himself.
He is an entertainer, let him entertain, just be previldged and hope the music goes on forever.

Trigger123
on July 6, 2012, 20:10 GMT

@ SAIRAM123 Tendulkar and Jayasuriya are two different players two different ways of playing..may be u are right coz Tendulkar can never come close the way Jayasuriya played and become awesome success full all-rounder like him..Tendulkar is very good bats men still he can play a lot but should retire now and give chance to youngsters..

on July 6, 2012, 20:00 GMT

SRT has taken right decision on skiping some series and giving chance to younger players in the same time....and today he is the only player in all playing countries who can make decision of play or not...this itself make him different from any other player..he has given his 100% for cricket...and because of that he is getting this ....there can be no other SRT in this form of cricket.....

on July 6, 2012, 19:52 GMT

i really dont think u guys realise just how good sachin is.... ifhe wants to pick and choose.. let him i for one enjoy watchi g him play so let him continue however he wants...

bxveer
on July 6, 2012, 19:50 GMT

Retiring gracefully in a team sport is an art and true reflection of the person's attitude towards team spirit. SRT's dragging his career does no good to the team and everybody knows that. BCCI can't dare put him in the spot. This is where our subservient culture comes in. If CA can set deadline for retirement to Steve Waugh why can't BCCI do the same to SRT?

SRT may have scored more runs than Rahul Dravid but Rahul is the ultimate team player and would be the one remembered for long not just for his runs. SRT's records may stand forever but he would never be remembered for being there for the team.

Cricketfan101
on July 6, 2012, 19:33 GMT

Let the guy play as long as he wants

Kays789
on July 6, 2012, 19:30 GMT

just another reminder of the boundless selfishness and arrogance of this guy. if it werent for the clueless following he has in india this guy would've been just another good batsman with a bloated average playing on pitches flatter than a highway that hardly ever scored when it really mattered. guess it's a testament to how devoid of quality the team he plays for has been over the past 20 years that they continue to treat him like royalty when he can hardly put bat to ball these days.

India_Rules_Everybody
on July 6, 2012, 19:30 GMT

God doesn't retire. So Sachin doesn't retire. What is so difficult to understand in that? :))

K.A.K
on July 6, 2012, 19:28 GMT

Sachin for 2015 WC. Stay fit, make runs, keep creating new records!

Nampally
on July 6, 2012, 19:25 GMT

@iHitwicket & PratUSA: Please name a batsman to replace Tendulkar (aged 39) for ODI first before you cry for his retirement. In fact ODI should be his last retirement format after Tests. In Australia, the Indian batting failed collectively before this silly system of rotation between, Sachin, Viru & Gambhir started. Now Sachin has saved that by dropping himself. Let the alternates be experimented to replace Sachin. I have named 3 potential young cricketers who have this talent. Pujara for #4, U.Chand (opener) & V.Zol middle order.Neither of these guys are in the squad for SL Tour. Why did the Indian Selectors exclude Pujara who is head & shoulder above Raina, Rohit Sharma & even Kohli. He was almost a run scoring machine in U-19 tourney + scored 72 against Australia in test + scored heavily in India A Tour of WI. Pl. No finger pointing @Sachin for Indian batting woes when no comparable replacemnt exists or is even attempted by trying out NEW talent to replace SRT - still the Best!.

nlambda
on July 6, 2012, 19:22 GMT

Face it, there is STILL no replacement for Sachin. When it comes to opening the batting against a red-hot Dale Steyn or Brett Lee, the Sehwags and Gambhirs cannot handle it. Certainly not if the pitch is bouncy!

Nutcutlet
on July 6, 2012, 19:20 GMT

Does India have a selection panel, or do certain players select themselves? How curious.The last England player who decided whether he would play or not was WG Grace!

rtruth
on July 6, 2012, 18:41 GMT

Oh! Again, Tendulkar played whole career for records. I still remember 1999 Chennai test where he out himself to saqlain when only 16 runs required to win with 4or5 winckets in hands(just one example) . He cant play a match winning knock (particularly in test) In ODIs also he cannot handle pressure. He just plays for his records unlike Richards Lara Gilchrist and Inzamam these player never ever played for records. They give their best when their teams needed most. where as tendulkar flops big time when it required most. This has been a routine through out tendulkars career. like it or hate it .This is the ultimate thruth . Those who have been following cricket for many years would definatly agree with my points. Out of 180+ odd test matches he couldn't win a single match with his batting performance. People are abusing and cursing tendulkar for not retiring in many internet comments. Many people are calling him selfish now. By the time he retires no one will doubt about his selfishness

Tamimfan
on July 6, 2012, 18:27 GMT

@wiseshah... 34 out of Sachin's 49 ODI centuries have come in winning cause and only 13 have come when India lost. You must to look up stats before making big statements about big players.

Paras.Rishi
on July 6, 2012, 18:18 GMT

He deserves this break! He is still the best Number 4 batsman available for Indian Test team.

on July 6, 2012, 17:59 GMT

As long as your enjoying your game we will keep losing matches cheers :D

on July 6, 2012, 17:57 GMT

Awesomeeee. He should not. He is too classy of a player.... I don't want him to go. + he is rightt. He does need to spend time with his children. He has given so many years to the world of cricket. He has the right to select the series in which he wants to play and which he wants to skip.

KevinCostna
on July 6, 2012, 17:56 GMT

Same old with Indian Team and the supporters. Ignoring the important issues and arguing with minor issues. We have no world class pace bowlers, spinners, or batsmen who can make some runs away from home. And, still we are fighting about someone who wants to take a break for his family. It sounds really stupid when you decide that a guy has to quit because he's old even though he has form and consistency. The best selection scenario is to pick the best candidates suitable for the current series at hand not about some World Cup in 2015, which is nearly 3 yrs to go from now.

zizek-10
on July 6, 2012, 17:49 GMT

nation, nation, nation.... as if nation is synonymous with cricket. I wonder how many times one thinks about nation save watching match or for that matter blogging . Then why ask/raise such silly question/objection regarding SRT?
He is arguably the greatest batsman ,of course, post DON Bradman. He has earned the right to choose and pick same as we have/ are earned/earnig the money to spend where and when we want. Cricket is after all a profession and if SRT has more bargainig power than anyone else then it is because of his work or luck.

neerajprasher
on July 6, 2012, 17:48 GMT

Well Done Sachin so happy to hear that. to those people who wants Sachin to retire from ODI this is the best answer so please stop saying again and again.This is SRT -- Not Out Good luck !!!!

on July 6, 2012, 17:46 GMT

praveen4honestremark

I think he has done so much for the country n for that respect he should keep playing until he wants, because he can judge better when he shouldnt b playing rather than you!

sharpfielder
on July 6, 2012, 17:42 GMT

Seriously? This is a news story? "Tendulkar not quitting ODIs yet." "ODI retirement not on Tendulkar's mind." Just because he's getting older doesn't mean _you_ guys start assuming he will or has to retire!? While you're at it, why not also report about "Virat Kohli is not going to retire yet," or "Umesh Yadav isn't thinking about retirement!" It's so ridiculous that these things even get published.

Hurricane08
on July 6, 2012, 17:35 GMT

I don't care whether I become a liability on the team or not - as long as I enjoy, who cares about the team. Even Sunil Gavaskar thought of the team at times!

Its funny how you speak as if you are bigger than the game.It doesn't matter if you are enjoying playing ODI's, it comes down to whether the team's opening combo is getting affected by you deciding to pick and choose. Answer is Yes!

WTEH
on July 6, 2012, 17:25 GMT

Only in India I guess. People do not age, look at all these actors, still playing romantic roles. As long as you can run to the other end, keep playing Sachin. That will make sure no other Tendulkar will be groomed for at least 10 more years.

coolindianfan
on July 6, 2012, 17:24 GMT

i am as big fan as it comes for Sachin .commenting on when he should retire is wrong .but if he is not playing in wc 2015 there is no reason for him to play in odis,(like dravid and ganguly) taking rest and getting back when u want is not expected from someone like him who has such a great reputation .but really looking forward to see him in blue jersey

GerrardLK
on July 6, 2012, 17:24 GMT

You don't get any better selfish sportsman in this world & its non other than Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar. Poor Indian fans don't release this truth.

Narbavi
on July 6, 2012, 17:15 GMT

Are you kidding me?? It was Dravid who persuaded you and sourav to skip the t20 world cup in 2007, give credit to where its due.

on July 6, 2012, 17:12 GMT

ohh so calld crickt god...!!
sachin its ur game....no1 oder thn uh shud decide for going on fuh your game....!!
I thnk all should shut thnking abt sachn's career nd do theri oder wrks..
he has full ri8 to take decisions...aftrol he is gr8...
d.c....

Antu_Mathiyas
on July 6, 2012, 17:12 GMT

Sachin can stay without announcing retirement, but he can't choose the game what are the game he wants to play. He may act as a backup player role, when one of the regular opener (Shewag and Gambir) missing the game.

sweet2hrme
on July 6, 2012, 17:11 GMT

Sachin Sir, I m very very N very big fan you. How many are those like me. I wish you will never take a retirement. I want to see you play. But someday, sometime you will be retired. .. friends, i wana ask you why he should take retirement. You are talking about youngster, tell me which youngster have formed ??? ONly kholi is one who is good & have a bright future in all three format. Vaishe bhi, they are not youngster. Playing more than 100 matches how can you say they are youngster. Suresh Raina, Rohit Sharma N others , they are good in 20 -20 overs. But what happen when they paly in other format, specially in abroad.Sehwag, Ghambir, Yuvi & Dhoni all are good. But they are not youngster. They are now experienced players. They have learn the art of cricket. Friend, Plz tell me the name of that younster who can replace sachin ????? First you think twice before you say anything. Plz dnt say kholi becoz he is replacement of Rahul. Tell me other .???????

Min2_cric
on July 6, 2012, 17:09 GMT

everytym a new series starts, there have been talks lyk is tendulkar gonna play or jst take rest...well this a national team and if u dont want to retire u hav to be available fr all d games..wat is this, its not his choice dat if he wants to play he is gonna play and if he doesnt he is nt gonna play...this is jst nt acceptable...

Kimiiceman
on July 6, 2012, 17:02 GMT

He will Retire only after scoring his 50th ODI Century.He is not Playing for his Team. I Belive Cricket is a Team game.i am big Fan of him once, now i feel the selectors can drop him from the ODI side,which good for Indian Cricket.

raju_bharwad
on July 6, 2012, 16:25 GMT

Whether you play now or not.. b fit physically n mentally. Want to see you playing in WC.. Please o please Sachin!!

praveen4honestremark
on July 6, 2012, 16:20 GMT

In simple words : " Sachin this is not your team to visit and go, you deserve lot of respect; but don't loose respect by giving a statement like this that no body can stop me from playing and taking my spot again".. Remember Sachin that team balance is important than you. Team India is important than you and if a player is playing in place of you. His stats after playing this series will be compared with your stats when you once played here in Srilanka. If your average would be less, you are not taken again into this team. With all respect.

on July 6, 2012, 16:19 GMT

purely, purely commercial decision

on July 6, 2012, 16:19 GMT

Being pakistani i m great fan of SRT... nice step taken b SRT.....FRIENDS I think srt is looking for 20000 runs in odi cric in my point of view he should play as long as he want but give india nation match winning performances n victory...best time for quite the odi cric when he felt that he become burden on team india...but now he is inform and fit should play both formats..

likuray
on July 6, 2012, 16:17 GMT

good decision really, I still want u to play each and every game for india, but I realise it is not possible 4 U to play every single game. I respect ur decision and I feel the series against SL should not be organized at all...... I hate games against SL at SL. Worst pitches.... terrible weather.... Rain Rain & rain..... and the outcome is "whoever wins the toss wins the match".... (See previous results).

on July 6, 2012, 16:14 GMT

SRT was a great player no doubt about it. But it doesn't mean that he can dictate the things. He wants play for the best interest of him and not for the team. He is having lot of business deals up to 2015 so sure he want to prolong his carrier. If he retire one year before the world cup means it will affect the team combination. His decision to play selectively also will disturb the batting combination. That is what exactly happened in the recent past. People are appreciated his 100th century but the end result we lost the tournament. If some one scored the century at a strike rate of 80+ in a modern era and also against Ban means the team will end in the loosing side only. If he is having same indent like the real gentleman RD means he would have been retired end of the WC triumph. If he drag he will loose more real supporter of him.

SAIRAM123
on July 6, 2012, 16:09 GMT

I agree that Sachin should not be allowed to pick and choose. At the same time it is absurd to compare him to Jayasuriya.

RyanHarrisGreatCricketer
on July 6, 2012, 15:59 GMT

iif u r passionate , play every series , or else retire and give chance to youngsters .
It is true dat nobody can force anyone to retire,
But den nobody can play whenever he wants and rest wen he wants

lakshitha.jayakody
on July 6, 2012, 15:55 GMT

here comes another Sanath Jayasuriya!!!

iHitWicket
on July 6, 2012, 15:41 GMT

Sachin, It's time to move on from ODI's. I am surprised you don't feel it in you. You were and are a great batter, but can you get us the World cup in 2015? Are you part of those plans (even in your mind)? You have played a great part in Indian cricket - its time to call curtains, soon and with grace. I will even say its time to quit from all formats - your England and Australia series should have told you as much. Why more hundreds in next 2 years of subcontinent tests? Let some youngster find his place.

PratUSA
on July 6, 2012, 15:33 GMT

I am one of those XYZ, Tendulkar will say, but without these XYZs there won't be any cricket or cricketers either. Yes it's always his call to play on or retire, but it should never be his call to pick and choose series, unless these are part of a larger plan for the team by coach, captain and selectors. It's very disappointing that fans (if not team as well) are taken for granted both by Tendulkar and selectors. Indian selectors will have to do what Australian selectors did with Ponting. And for anyone who would like to target me for being anti-Tendulkar, they should know I am following him since he made that school cricket world record with Kambli, and still think there hasn't been a greater sight in cricket in past 20 years than watching him bat in full flow.

Raj1960
on July 6, 2012, 15:32 GMT

Sachin has given his heart and soul for the Indian cricket and should be able to pick and choose as long as when BCCI needs him, he should be available. Anyone who says Sachin is playing to fill his pockets have no clue how competitive he is and how dedicated he is.

Desiboi80
on July 6, 2012, 15:29 GMT

Just to add to my previous post, If Sachin as a student of the game with tons of experience thinks that he can still contribute to the ODI games, then maybe he knows what he is talking about more than me or you who hasn't played for an Indian or any other national team. Bottoms line is stop with the hue and cry and let the man decide when he wants to retire from his job. I am sure if BCCI had a mandatory policy of retirement age Sachin would have to follow it like any of us where we retire at age of 65-67. Also, if BCCI felt that Sachin as their employee is not performing then they should fire him. It's not the case, so they are not firing him right now so get over it.

Nampally
on July 6, 2012, 15:29 GMT

Tendulkar has earned the right to pick & choose when to play because of his legendary status.In Australia when Sehwag, Tendulkar & Gambhir were in the side, they played by rotation. Now with Sachin not available, they may not have do this.The big question is: Has India got a batsman to replace Sachin or any of these 3. Indian openers (Dhawan, Mukund) in India A tour of WI were just attrocious. People are quick to criticise the same 3 guys for blocking one youngster each from playing. Can Mukund, Dhawan & Kohli replace these 3 & produce the prolific runs these guys have made for India? Only Kohli showed this promise. Pujara , U.Chand & V.Zol can fill in 3 batting spots. Why were they not included in the SL tour squad by the Selectors if they are looking to develop talent? These 3 talented guys cannot prove their worth playing for India A & India U-19 teams.Tendulkar played for India when he was 16. Chand & Zol are both 19 & Pujara 25. When will they play for Indian XI in any format?

Rohit...
on July 6, 2012, 15:28 GMT

I dont understand why the nation wants him to retire? Sachin at the age of 50 can bat better than Irfan and can stay at the crease longer than Raina. Yet people want him to retire. Please people its high time you use your brains. Sachin should not retire at 39 just because other players retired at this age.

Lord_Dravid
on July 6, 2012, 15:25 GMT

Love tendulkar! let him play when he wants to and how long he wants to..salute the master!

on July 6, 2012, 15:24 GMT

Yes i think its time to get a decision on both ODI and T20 for sachin.i believe he should go now.

Desiboi80
on July 6, 2012, 15:24 GMT

All the people asking him to retire and saying that he's playing for records or money, don't understand Sachin. 1. He retired from T20 as he knew it was for young men and he could have hurt India's chances. 2. Last 3-4 years he has been playing only selected ODI so others like Kohli/Sharma and few others got enough opportunities to get in and those who did well were selected for WC. 3. Sachin made critical contributions in WC and in some team failed him like in many cases throughout his career but you can't ignore his contributions. 4. What if somebody came to you and asked you to quit your job and give chance to someone thinking about future? This is his job. 5. BCCI is a private entity that hires professionals to play the game. The board or their players do not owe any explanation for their choices just like you don't owe it your neighbours for choices in your life. 6. The guy who thinks he's playing for money, learn about BCCI contracts. It's retain fees + per match fees.

on July 6, 2012, 15:18 GMT

sachin is going tio concentrate on test for 3 years n he will come back to the odi team in the 2015 world cup

meetaditya
on July 6, 2012, 15:08 GMT

Why media is too much bothering about sachin not playing this series...please leave it to him. He knows when to quit. Without sachin if India have won all the matches then he ll quit automatically but that is not happening. To have sachin in the dressing is itself a big motivation for all the cricketers....Stop talking about sachin and wish the youngsters success in the series.

on July 6, 2012, 15:06 GMT

" Either You Die A Hero Or You Live Long Enough To See Yourself Become The Villain ". @sachin we respect you for what u did. But we don't want you to become another 'Harvey Dent' like Sanath.

Praxis
on July 6, 2012, 15:04 GMT

Its the board's decision to pick & choose players for a series, not a player's even if he is one of the best batsmen of his generation.

anti-dictatorial-attitude
on July 6, 2012, 15:03 GMT

Lucky Sehwag did not say that Sachin and players of that stature pick their pay also. Additionally, should be paid for the games they don't play. This attitude of being above the rules of selection and everything (i.e. god like stature) is the reason for the lack of development of younger players (i.e. young players are thrust into action without enough experience). While superstar players are clinging onto their spot, players like Badrinath (good for Test) don't get enough chances to prove. Selectors are forced to try out players like Raina, Yuvraj and others in Tests because they are a known quantity from ODI and T20 experience. While everyone can see they are not Test kind of players and vice versa.

Jerseyite
on July 6, 2012, 14:58 GMT

I have long lost respect for him, about 5 or more years ago. At least he should stop talking to the press, because its making him look even worse. His quote of spending more time with the family can easily be turned around, and asked why not retire. That way he can spend even more time with his family.

Noball_Specialist
on July 6, 2012, 14:56 GMT

There's a real obsession from some to see Tendulkar retired. Stop pressing the guy, it's completely his decision. Surely he's earnt that right by now? People don't realise how much of a privilege it is as a cricket fan to see Tendulkar still playing. Stop hurrying the inevitable. The day will come, enjoy him while he's still playing.

sonu77
on July 6, 2012, 14:56 GMT

I think he wants to play with his son together in a international game..thats why he is not retireing..:)

on July 6, 2012, 14:54 GMT

"I felt I shouldn't be part of the Twenty20 squad in 2007 and I had been asked (to stay on) but I felt I should not be part because the team did well. When I get that feeling in one-day cricket may be I would take that decision-

Wrong ! Rahul Dravid convinced both Ganguly and Sachin to stay away from World 20/20 in 2007.

on July 6, 2012, 14:53 GMT

We have any Replacement for Sachin ?

Diceprince
on July 6, 2012, 14:53 GMT

Kevin Peterson could take a leaf out of Sachin;s book... Sachin is 7 years older than poor old Kevin who can't handle the heat !!!

Soumithsanthu
on July 6, 2012, 14:52 GMT

Dont concentrate on your life Sachin... Concentrate on India's Future........Its better if you stop here.. Dont forget what hapnd to Ganguly(DADA)... Beware of it Sachin...

on July 6, 2012, 14:52 GMT

When when when....oh! till he realises he is blocking Arjun's way...maybe! Given the fact that he will not be able to play till 2015 he should make way gracefully.

g.jeevan05
on July 6, 2012, 14:51 GMT

It's time he retires,should have retired after the World Cup as it can't get any better than that.The board should take hard decisions even when Sachin says he is available to play,just like Aus did to Ponting.He won't be in the next WC then why what's the point playing???

NikhilNair
on July 6, 2012, 14:50 GMT

""As long as I am enjoying and I FEEL LIKE BEING PART OF IT, I'll continue playing." -- Really? We always talk about players not being above the system... and Sachin isn't setting a good example here. I had greatest respect for Sachin... but such actions are only making me appreciate players like Dravid more... who didn't think twice before doing what's best for the team and country.

PrakashVarma
on July 6, 2012, 14:49 GMT

Hello Haleos,

Don't tell SRT does not make sense.
You know why does not he retire? - He is always enjoying to play cricket. He playing cricket for India and at the same time he is looking for personally to hit 50 th century. He don't want to take lesson from any one. Bcz he is a legend.

RandyOZ
on July 6, 2012, 14:49 GMT

Unfortunately by continuing on Tendulkar has completely tainted his career. Shame really but I guess he will never be held in the same regard as Ponting. 100 victories, unheard of.

2.14istherunrate
on July 6, 2012, 14:45 GMT

This is an interesting situation in the light of Mark Ramprakash's retirement. Tendulkar won't do it off his own back I suspect. They will have to physically lock him out of the dressing room.Both men are extremely lucky, I think. They are still in love with the game after all these years. This is good fortune! Ramps scored 114tons in total and people just gape at the enormity of the achievement. But Sachin has 100 International tons- It's absurd really. In his mind i suspect he would like to be playing till his body no longer can and who knows when that will be. 65?

Cricketfan101
on July 6, 2012, 14:38 GMT

He is gradually phasing himself out out odis

tylerhans
on July 6, 2012, 14:33 GMT

Twenty20 world cup in Sri Lanka... Sachin not part of Twenty20 world cup... wants to step aside so the new batsmen can be given a chance... whats wrong with that? money - why don't u people give up your jobs after you think younger people can replace you... OK .... give that chance to youngsters.. don't hold on.... please there are many unemployed youth in India.. records.. please dont strive for excellence... dont create records... think about your team.. next time you get the opportunity to get a bonus or something .. divide it equally among your team... what a fuss!!

EverybodylovesSachin
on July 6, 2012, 14:32 GMT

I think Sachin should play till 2015 world cup and retire..from ODI. He can choose the series he wants to play and hang around till Indian team gets some stability in the batting department..afterall retire is just a word and you do not want that word out and come back again..I am sure whatever series he play he will score runs no doubt about it..

jamfai
on July 6, 2012, 14:26 GMT

I have enjoyed watching Tendulkar over the years, but i think it is a bit selfish of him to take time off when he feels for whatever reasons, whether the team needs him or not. Why does he think the team needs him in ODIS? that has not been the problem for India. Test matches hv been the problem!
And he should stop saying he will quit when he decides to or when he doesnt feel right. No one is bigger than the game. Ponting was dropped primarily on performance. If Tendulkar doesnt perform for a long period of time, he should be dropped too. Not to mention India has quite a few upcoming batting stars that should be given a chance. Batting has not been the problem for India in ODIS bud...Time to give other youngsters a chance and contribute to Indian cricket by being an MP!!!!!!

Tiger55
on July 6, 2012, 14:25 GMT

The way Sachin completed 100th Century at the cost of Asia Cup, he is loosing respect.If India can play Test Series without Dravid, can play ODI without Sachin as well.Sachin may be a better Batsman but not better sportsman than Dravid. Media projects sachin as God and he has started believing....

on July 6, 2012, 14:23 GMT

love u sachin please playyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy

dinedhar
on July 6, 2012, 14:22 GMT

I think sachin is looking for his 50th hundred in ODIs and then only will he retire

zinuk222
on July 6, 2012, 14:20 GMT

No doubt Sachin is best.But Now its time to stop.He should retire from ODI and should continue Test.Because India has good enough ODI player.It will be very sorrow moment but it will be better for him.he got everything what he has dream about(WC).I know he can play more with good form but it cause india later coz young player like rahane, tiwary, will be frustrated for not getting enough match.he should not be burden for the team.He is all time best

sandeep1978
on July 6, 2012, 14:18 GMT

Ok, here r some facts.By the time the 2015 world cup comes, Sehwag will be 37,mike hussey will be 40, brett lee will be 39 and kallis will be 40. R these people retiring now? No. As long as they think they can contribute they will continue playing . So why this hypocrsy with Sachin. Just cuz he cant talk like dravid, he is being crucified.

Sinhaya
on July 6, 2012, 14:17 GMT

Please retire now! You are no longer what you were before and you are getting older meaning you just cant cope with the rigors of professional cricket. You got your 100th international ton against Bangladesh and no one else as they were below par. Please retire in an honorable way like how Lara, Warne and McGrath did. It is time to retire without stopping other talented stars like Manoj and Saurabh Tiwary, Rohit Sharma, Pujara, Mukund etc from coming in.

sukuviju
on July 6, 2012, 14:13 GMT

i see a pattern hear. Sachin is avoiding meaningless one day series with weak teams and is making himself available for series against tougher teams. This shows his commitment. If he is playing to line his pocket or improve his statistics, he would have played all meaningless series and scored few more hundreds. Honestly speaking he is not in the way of any youngster as no youngster barring Kohli have demonstrated big match temperament.

Solace1
on July 6, 2012, 14:08 GMT

Why all of you blaming Sachin? He is the only person to make 100 centuries, he made us all proud, his hunger for runs has not diminished, didn't you see his fantastic hundred against bangladesh just a few months ago? He will definitely score lot of hundreds and make sure the records stay with an indian, that will make us proud guys!! Actually only dhoni should retire now, he is doing nothing!!

InnocentGuy
on July 6, 2012, 14:08 GMT

For the love of God (no, not Sachin, the real God Almighty) and of your countrymen, please please retire from ODIs, Sachin. I have great respect for you, but by prolonging your career like this I'm losing respect slowly. Everyone looks up to you, please stay the good example in everything that you have always been. Don't let your career be an example of how NOT to go about leaving cricket.

God_Tendulkar98
on July 6, 2012, 14:05 GMT

I feel sorry for The indian crowd after Tendulkar's retirement,wait for the guy going to play 2015 World cup to complete selfish 2000 runs in the world cups .

ExplicitPlatinum
on July 6, 2012, 14:04 GMT

As a Pak fan, I have to say that when Tendulkar was under 100 h's, he was nowhere near "the Tendulkar" back when he was in his 24's, 25's (Consider when he batted with Ganguly, or when Sehwag was a young star). He now seems to be a bit more free flowing and he seems to be hitting sixes just like when he was younger. Sigh, Shahid Afridi is my alltime favourite player and he is considering ODI retirement before Tendulkar. Shahid is still young and can be a devastating opener in ODI's. Just hope that Tendulkar carries on playing.

I personally believe that Manoj Tiwary is a much better talent that Suresh Raina. Also, do consider Irfan Pathan an allrounder and his batting is better than his bros. Umesh Yadav must be sandwhiched between his senior pacemen.

on July 6, 2012, 14:03 GMT

Keep playing sachin if you retire cricket wont be worth watching anymore

on July 6, 2012, 14:03 GMT

greatest player like him deserve their say in cricket and he is correct with his decision

Narbavi
on July 6, 2012, 14:02 GMT

Look, you are far better than Jayasuriya, but do not go down the same line as he did, he spoiled his reputation by playing in his 40's and all he did was put up low scores, don't do the same. Do you even realize what a great spectacle it would have been had you retired after winning the world cup?? It would have been the greatest way to end your career, why are you dragging it? your pick and choose policy will affect the team balance for the 2015 world cup, someone has to constantly come in and go out. 23yrs of odi cricket, you have achieved everything in it but still not ready to step aside for the youngsters?? Come on man, you know what, being not a certainty for the 2015 world cup, you should have skipped the CB series in Australia to give someone like Rahane a go to get a feel of the Aussie conditions and pitches, but instead you chose to play there! Pointless!! Completely pointless!!

EnglishCricket
on July 6, 2012, 13:58 GMT

Course this guy won't retire yet he still wants more records for example he wants to achieve his 50th ODI century so it looks nice, notch up his 200th test and so on and so forth which is why he'll never be considered above the likes of Bradman, Viv Richards, Ponting, Lara etc. He's a great batsman but loves playing for himself more than playing for his country and the recent Asia Cup in which India got knocked out is proof enough and the only reason his record is so impressive is because he has played more games than anybody else. Sachin like I said is a great batsman but not the best of all time. Its all about QUALITY not QUANTITY because I'm sure had someone like Ponting played the same number of matches as Sachin, he too would've notched up a 100 100s.

saicharan200
on July 6, 2012, 13:48 GMT

Let him play the important series....at this point of time he z balancing his cricketing carrier very well..no 1 needs to point out on his retirement..he z a legend in the game of cricket..May god bless him to play 2 more years in international cricket..

satish619chandar
on July 6, 2012, 13:47 GMT

Well.. It is time for him to chose.. On what basis he is going to chose the games he play? He did play the CB series and it was acceptable.. but he will not having any challenging games ahead in next couple of years.. I think better he can quit ODI.. With all respect..

sams235
on July 6, 2012, 13:45 GMT

I have been a big fan of Tendulkar. But, I believe he is now playing to fill his pockets even more. He should just retire now instead of gradually phasing out.

on July 6, 2012, 13:39 GMT

well done tendulkar!!
You are greatest cricketer and you hv been proving it each time with your bat for past 23 years!! Hats Off!!

Rajeshj
on July 6, 2012, 13:36 GMT

its really tiring to see these repeated Sachin talks... he should understand that at least in the best interests of the team to plan for next world cup, he should step aside from ODI... he can't be adamant that he will stay on forever...

kevinpp24
on July 6, 2012, 13:35 GMT

What a lovely father Sachin is!!! How sweet of you !!! Lol!!!! It may be comfortable for an experienced player like Sachin to pick & play particular series but it would be extremely hard for an inexperienced youngster replacing him every alternate series . For Gods sake, either play every series or leave ODI format to youngsters. India have a very good chance to build a new looking team with almost all series in SC for 2 years. Jayasurya made a mess of his image by hanging on to the team for too long, hopefully Ponting and Sachin had learned something out of that.

StatisticsRocks
on July 6, 2012, 13:32 GMT

Enough already....It's not abt what you think..it should be what is good for the country OMG when will we learn to stop saying NO whether one is treated as GOD or not.

Haleos
on July 6, 2012, 13:31 GMT

Mr. Sehwag, nobody should be allowed to pick and choose. Cricket your job and not your hobby. you make money from it. In fact BCCI should start paying per match rather than a fixed amount and then we will see cricketers wanting to play each and every match. No rest, No fitness problem whatsoever.

Haleos
on July 6, 2012, 13:30 GMT

Indian cricketers show team spirit when backing each other in such silly decisions. This decision of SRT does not make sense. why does not he retire? is he looking for the 50th century in ODIs? In which case he should play all the matches and get it over with.

wiseshah
on July 6, 2012, 13:29 GMT

of course--he will never learn the lesson. quit ur game when u r on top. this guy plays for his own personal record. thats why all his century, either india lost or draw. take lesson from gilchrist, hayden, shane warne

Lakpj
on July 6, 2012, 13:24 GMT

another Jayasuriya is in the making, this won't do any good to the team other than preventing the opportunity of a youngster. places of Players like Gilchrist's, Murali's would not have been threatened still had they decided to continue playing. There will be a day where people will be fedup seeing Sachin, he should keep that in mind.

on July 6, 2012, 13:10 GMT

ODI retirement not on Tendulkar's mind

on July 6, 2012, 13:07 GMT

Thalaiva, you do not have to retire. But please do not skip matches. I am dying to see you in action. Please play..Dont skip...

No featured comments at the moment.

on July 6, 2012, 13:07 GMT

Thalaiva, you do not have to retire. But please do not skip matches. I am dying to see you in action. Please play..Dont skip...

on July 6, 2012, 13:10 GMT

ODI retirement not on Tendulkar's mind

Lakpj
on July 6, 2012, 13:24 GMT

another Jayasuriya is in the making, this won't do any good to the team other than preventing the opportunity of a youngster. places of Players like Gilchrist's, Murali's would not have been threatened still had they decided to continue playing. There will be a day where people will be fedup seeing Sachin, he should keep that in mind.

wiseshah
on July 6, 2012, 13:29 GMT

of course--he will never learn the lesson. quit ur game when u r on top. this guy plays for his own personal record. thats why all his century, either india lost or draw. take lesson from gilchrist, hayden, shane warne

Haleos
on July 6, 2012, 13:30 GMT

Indian cricketers show team spirit when backing each other in such silly decisions. This decision of SRT does not make sense. why does not he retire? is he looking for the 50th century in ODIs? In which case he should play all the matches and get it over with.

Haleos
on July 6, 2012, 13:31 GMT

Mr. Sehwag, nobody should be allowed to pick and choose. Cricket your job and not your hobby. you make money from it. In fact BCCI should start paying per match rather than a fixed amount and then we will see cricketers wanting to play each and every match. No rest, No fitness problem whatsoever.

StatisticsRocks
on July 6, 2012, 13:32 GMT

Enough already....It's not abt what you think..it should be what is good for the country OMG when will we learn to stop saying NO whether one is treated as GOD or not.

kevinpp24
on July 6, 2012, 13:35 GMT

What a lovely father Sachin is!!! How sweet of you !!! Lol!!!! It may be comfortable for an experienced player like Sachin to pick & play particular series but it would be extremely hard for an inexperienced youngster replacing him every alternate series . For Gods sake, either play every series or leave ODI format to youngsters. India have a very good chance to build a new looking team with almost all series in SC for 2 years. Jayasurya made a mess of his image by hanging on to the team for too long, hopefully Ponting and Sachin had learned something out of that.

Rajeshj
on July 6, 2012, 13:36 GMT

its really tiring to see these repeated Sachin talks... he should understand that at least in the best interests of the team to plan for next world cup, he should step aside from ODI... he can't be adamant that he will stay on forever...

on July 6, 2012, 13:39 GMT

well done tendulkar!!
You are greatest cricketer and you hv been proving it each time with your bat for past 23 years!! Hats Off!!